Methods and compositions related to thioesterase enzymes

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to novel mutant thioesterase enzymes and naturally-occurring equivalents thereof, compositions made from such enzymes and uses of thioesterase enzymes. In particular, the present invention provides mutant thioesterase enzymes that have altered properties, for example, altered substrate specificity, altered activity, altered selectivity, and/or altered proportional yields in the product mixtures. The present invention also provides polynucleotides encoding such mutant thioesterase enzymes, and vectors and host cells comprising such polynucleotides. The invention further provides for novel uses of thioesterases in the production of various fatty acid derivatives, which are useful as, or as components of, industrial chemicals and fuels.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/140,600, filed Dec. 23, 2008, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to novel thioesterase compositions, novel recombinant host cells comprising thioesterases, novel methods of production of fatty acid derivatives, and fatty acid derivatives produced thereby and uses thereof. One particular aspect of the present invention relates to the production of industrial chemicals and fuels.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Developments in technology have been accompanied by an increased reliance on fuel and industrial chemicals from petrochemical sources. Such fuel sources are becoming increasingly limited and difficult to acquire. With the burning of fossil fuels taking place at an unprecedented rate, it is likely that the world's demand for fuel and petrochemical derived chemicals will soon outweigh current supplies.

As a result, efforts have been directed toward harnessing sources of renewable energy, such as sunlight, water, wind, and biomass. The use of biomass to produce new sources of fuel and chemicals which are not derived from petroleum sources (e.g., biofuel) has emerged as one alternative option.

Biofuel is a biodegradable, clean-burning combustible fuel which can be comprised of alkanes and/or esters. An exemplary biofuel is biodiesel. Biodiesel can be used in most internal combustion diesel engines in either a pure form, which is referred to as “neat” biodiesel, or as a mixture in any concentration with regular petroleum diesel or other biodiesels.

Biodiesel offers a number of beneficial properties compared to petroleum-based diesel, including reduced emissions (e.g., carbon monoxide, sulphur, aromatic hydrocarbons, soot particles, etc.) during combustion. Biodiesel also maintains a balanced carbon dioxide cycle because it is based on renewable biological materials. Biodiesel is typically completely biodegradable, and has good safety profile due to its relative high flash point and low flammability. Furthermore, biodiesel provides good lubrication properties, thereby reducing wear and tear on engines.

Current methods of making biodiesel involve transesterification of triacylglycerides from vegetable oil feedstocks, such as from rapeseed in Europe, from soybean in North America, and from palm oil in South East Asia. Industrial-scale biodiesel production is thus geographically and seasonally restricted to areas where vegetable oil feedstocks are produced. The transesterification process leads to a mixture of fatty esters which can be used as biodiesel, but also to an undesirable byproduct, glycerin. To be usable as biodiesel, the fatty esters must be further purified from the heterogeneous product. This increases costs and the amount of energy required for fatty ester production and, ultimately, biodiesel production as well. Furthermore, vegetable oil feedstocks are inefficient sources of energy because they require extensive acreage for cultivation. For example, the yield of biodiesel from rapeseed is only 1300 L/hectare because only the seed oil is used for biodiesel production, and not the rest of the rapeseed biomass. Additionally, cultivating some vegetable oil feedstocks, such as rapeseed and soybean, requires frequent crop rotation to prevent nutrient depletion of the land.

PCT Publication No. WO 2007/136762 discloses recombinant microorganisms that are capable of synthesizing products derived from the fatty acid synthetic pathway, including, inter alia, fatty acid esters and fatty alcohols. In particular, certain fatty acid derivatives are described having defined carbon chain length, branching and saturation levels. The '762 publication describes recombinant cells that utilize endogenous overexpression or heterologous expression of thioesterase proteins in the production of fatty acid derivatives.

PCT Publication No. WO 2008/119082 discloses genetically engineered cells and microorganisms that produce products from the fatty acid biosynthetic pathway, including, inter alia, fatty acid esters and fatty alcohols. The '082 publication describes recombinant cells that utilize overexpression of acyl-CoA synthetase enzymes to more efficiently produce fatty acid derivatives.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,955,329 discloses genetically engineered plant acyl-ACP thioesterase proteins having altered substrate specificity. In particular, the '329 patent discloses producing engineered plant acyl-ACP thioesterases, wherein the engineered plant acyl-ACP thioesterases demonstrate altered substrate specificity with respect to the acyl-ACP substrates hydrolyzed by the plant thioesterases as compared to the native acyl-ACP thioesterase.

While the prior art discloses certain useful disclosures regarding the production of certain fatty acid derivatives, a need exists in the field for improved methods and processes for more efficient and economical production of such fatty acid derivatives, and also for technology facilitating the production of compositions that have altered product specifications. As a specific example, a need exists for the production of fatty acid compositions having pre-designed, or “tailored,” specifications and properties for particular applications such as fuels, detergents, lubricants, industrial precursor molecule and other valuable applications of fatty acid derivatives.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide useful mutant and naturally-occurring thioesterase enzymes, polynucleotides encoding these enzymes, vectors comprising polynucleotides encoding the useful thioesterase enzymes, recombinant host cells comprising mutated endogenous thioesterase enzymes, recombinant host cells transformed with the vectors, recombinant host cells having polynucleotides encoding useful thioesterase enzymes chromosomally integrated therein, thioesterases produced by the host cells, fatty acid derivative compositions (such as industrial chemicals and biofuels) produced in vitro and/or in vivo, methods for producing fatty acid derivative compositions in vitro and/or in vivo, and methods of using the produced fatty acid derivative compositions.

It is an object of the present invention to provide methods of producing fatty acid derivative compositions through microbial fermentations that have predetermined product profiles with regard to carbon chain lengths and proportional yields. These compositions are well suited for applications in the fuel and chemical industries because their properties can be tailored to the particular applications for which they are intended. For example, it is possible to tailor a fatty ester product, according to the methods described herein, such that it can be used as an automobile fuel, and/or to design a composition to have, for example, improved fuel characteristics such as cloud point, lubricity, cetane number, kinematic viscosity, acid number, boiling point, oxidative stability, cold filter-plugging point, impurity profile, sulfated ash level, and/or flash point. Similarly, it is possible to produce industrial chemicals in accordance with the methods described herein that can replace current chemicals sourced from petroleum, and that are tailored to particular applications, for example, to produce fatty alcohols that are optimally suited for use as surfactants and/or detergents.

It is an object of the invention to provide for alternative methods of making fatty esters without the presence of (or in the absence of) an ester synthase. This method is energetically more favorable than the heretofore disclosed methods for producing fatty ester compositions through microbial fermentation processes, which required at least both a thioesterase enzyme and an ester synthase enzyme. As such, the novel thioesterases of the invention provide further advantages.

In one embodiment of the invention, mutant thioesterases (or naturally-occurring equivalents thereof) are provided that derive from a precursor thioesterase, wherein each of the mutants (or the naturally-occurring equivalents) has at least one altered property in vitro and/or in vivo, as compared to the properties of the precursor thioesterase. The altered property can be, for example, a biophysical property such as thermal stability (melting point T_(m)); solvent, solute, and/or oxidative stability; lipophilicity; hydrophilicity; quaternary structure; dipole moment; and/or isoelectric point. The altered property can also be, for example, a biochemical property such as pH optimum, temperature optimum, and/or ionic strength optimum. The altered property can further be, for example, an enzyme catalytic parameter such as product distribution (including, for example, a higher or lower percentage or proportional yield for a particular product vs. other products in the product mixture), specific activity, substrate preference, substrate affinity, substrate inhibition, product affinity, turnover rate or catalytic rate, product inhibition, kinetic mechanism, K_(M), k_(cat), k-_(cat)/K_(m), and/or V_(Max). The altered property can additionally be, for example, an increase or a decrease in activity or a changed preference for alcoholysis vs. hydrolysis, acyl-CoA vs. acyl-acyl carrier protein substrates, ester vs. thioester substrates, saturated vs. unsaturated substrates, straight-chain vs. branched substrates; changes in positions of unsaturations, ranges of cetane numbers, or specific carbon chain lengths, branched substrates, position of branching, hydroxy-acyl substrates, keto-acyl substrates; and/or products with a changed range of or specific cetane numbers, octane rating, oxidative stability, lubricity, flash point, viscosity, boiling point, melting point, pour point, cloud point, cold filter plugging point, cold flow characteristics, aromaticity, and/or iodine number. Altered properties can also include, for example, a decrease in activity or an attenuation of ester hydrolysis, such that the hydrolysis of desired product molecules is reduced or eliminated. Altered properties can further include, for example, a decrease in the protein's toxicity to the cell and/or a change in the protein's expression level in the cell, as compared to the precursor protein's toxicity to and/or expression level in the same cell. In an exemplary embodiment, an altered property can include a change in the ability to catalyze the synthesis of fatty acyl derivatives directly or indirectly in vivo or in vitro. In another exemplary embodiment, an altered property is the improvement or increase of in vitro and/or in vivo yield or proportional yield of a particularly desirable fatty acid derivative.

In one embodiment of the invention, a mutant thioesterase (or a naturally-occurring equivalent thereof) is derived from a precursor thioesterase. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the precursor thioesterase is a naturally-occurring thioesterase, a previously modified thioesterase, or a synthetic thioesterase.

In one embodiment of the invention, the mutant thioesterase (or a naturally-occurring equivalent thereof) is derived from a precursor thioesterase that is a naturally-occurring thioesterase. The naturally-occurring precursor thioesterase can be obtained from, for example, a plant, animal, bacterial, fungal, yeast, or other microbial sources. The mutant thioesterase (or a naturally-occurring equivalent thereof) can be derived from a precursor thioesterase from Acidovorax, Acinetobacter, Aeromonas, Alcanivorax, Aliivibrio, Alkalilimnicola, Alteromonadales, Alteromonas, Aurantimonas, Azoarcus, Azorhizobium, Azotobacter, Beggiatoa, Beijerinckia, Bordetella, Bradyrhizobium, Burkholderia, Caulobacter, Cellvibrio, Chromobacterium, Citrobacter, Comamonas, Cupriavidus, Dechloromonas, Delftia, Desulfovibrio, Enterobacter, Erwinia, Escherichia, Geobacter, Hahella, Halorhodospira, Herminiimonas, Idiomarina, Janthinobacterium, Klebsiella, Leptospira, Leptothrix, Limnobacter, Magnetospirillum, Marinobacter, Marinomonas, Methylibium, Methylobacillus, Methylobacterium, Methylocella, Methylococcus, Moritella, Nitrobacter, Nitrococcus, Nitrosomonas, Nitrosospira, Oceanospirillum, Oligotropha, Pectobacterium, Photobacterium, Photorhabdus, Polaromonas, Proteus, Providencia, Pseudoalteromonas, Pseudomonas, Psychromonas, Ralstonia, Reinekea, Rhodobacterales, Rhodoferax, Rhodopseudomonas, Rhodospirillum, Saccharophagus, Salmonella, Serratia, Shewanella, Shigella, Stenotrophomonas, Streptococcus, Thauera, Thioalkalivibrio, Thiobacillus, Vibrio, Xanthomonas, or Yersinia.

In a particular embodiment, the precursor thioesterase of the invention can be derived from any one of Acidovorax avenae subsp. citrulli AAC00-1, Acidovorax sp. JS42, Acinetobacter baumannii ACICU, Acinetobacter baumannii ATCC 17978, Aeromonas hydrophila subsp. Hydrophila ATCC 7966, Aeromonas salmonicida subsp. salmonicida A449, Alcanivorax borkumensis SK2, Alcanivorax sp. DG881, Aliivibrio salmonicida LFI1238, Alkalilimnicola ehrlichei MLHE-1, alpha proteobacterium HTCC2255, Alteromonadales bacterium TW-7, Alteromonas macleodii deep ecotype, Aurantimonas sp. SI85-9A1, Azoarcus sp. BH72, Azorhizobium caulinodans ORS 571, Azotobacter vinelandii AvOP, Beggiatoa sp. PS, Beijerinckia indica subsp. indica ATCC 9039, Bordetella avium 197N, Bordetella bronchiseptica RB50, Bordetella parapertussis 12822, Bordetella pertussis Tohama I, Bordetella petrii DSM 12804, Bradyrhizobium sp. BTAi1, Bradyrhizobium sp. ORS278, Burkholderia ambifaria AMMD, Burkholderia ambifaria IOP40-10, Burkholderia ambifaria MC40-6, Burkholderia ambifaria MEX-5, Burkholderia cenocepacia AU 1054, Burkholderia cenocepacia H12424, Burkholderia cenocepacia J2315, Burkholderia cenocepacia MCO-3, Burkholderia cenocepacia PC184, Burkholderia dolosa AU0158, Burkholderia graminis C4D1M, Burkholderia mallei ATCC 23344, Burkholderia mallei GB8 horse 4, Burkholderia mallei NCTC 10229, Burkholderia multivorans ATCC 17616, Burkholderia oklahomensis C6786, Burkholderia oklahomensis E0147, Burkholderia phymatum STM815, Burkholderia pseudomallei 1106a, Burkholderia pseudomallei 1106b, Burkholderia pseudomallei 14, Burkholderia pseudomallei 1655, Burkholderia pseudomallei 1710b, Burkholderia pseudomallei 305, Burkholderia pseudomallei 406e, Burkholderia pseudomallei 668, Burkholderia pseudomallei 7894, Burkholderia pseudomallei K96243, Burkholderia pseudomallei NCTC 13177, Burkholderia sp. 383, Burkholderia thailandensis Bt4, Burkholderia thailandensis E264, Burkholderia thailandensis MSMB43, Burkholderia thailandensis TXDOH, Burkholderia ubonensis Bu, Burkholderia vietnamiensis G4, Caulobacter crescentus CB15, Cellvibrio japonicus Ueda107, Chromobacterium violaceum ATCC 12472, Chromohalobacter salexigens DSM 3043, Citrobacter koseri ATCC BAA-895, Comamonas testosteroni KF-1, Cupriavidus taiwanensis, Dechloromonas aromatica RCB, Delftia acidovorans SPH-1, Desulfovibrio desulfuricans subsp. desulfuricans str. G20, Desulfovibrio desulfuricans subsp. desulfuricans str. G20, Enterobacter cancerogenus ATCC 35316, Enterobacter sakazakii ATCC BAA-894, Enterobacter sp. 638, Erwinia tasmaniensis, Escherichia albertii TWO7627, Escherichia coli O157:H7 EDL933, Escherichia coli O157:H7 str.EC4024, Escherichia coli O157:H7 str. EC4196, gamma proteobacterium HTCC5015, gamma proteobacterium KT 71, Geobacter sp. M21, Hahella chejuensis KCTC 2396, Halorhodospira halophila SL1, Herminiimonas arsenicoxydans, Idiomarina baltica OS145, Idiomarina loihiensis L2TR, Janthinobacterium sp. Marseille, Klebsiella pneumoniae 342, Klebsiella pneumoniae subsp. pneumoniae MGH 78578, Klebsiella sp. ZD414, Leptospira interrogans serovar Copenhageni str. Fiocruz L1-130, Leptospira interrogans serovar Lai str. 56601, Leptothrix cholodnii SP-6, Limnobacter sp. MED105, Magnetospirillum magneticum AMB-1, marine gamma proteobacterium HTCC2080, marine gamma proteobacterium HTCC2143, marine gamma proteobacterium HTCC2207, marine metagenome, Marinobacter algicola DG893, Marinobacter aquaeolei VT8, Marinobacter sp. ELB17, Marinomonas sp. MWYL1, Methylibium petroleiphilum PM1, Methylobacillus flagellates KT, Methylobacterium chloromethanicum CM4, Methylobacterium extorquens PA1, Methylobacterium populi BJ001, Methylocella silvestris BL2, Methylococcus capsulatus str. Bath, Moritella sp. PE36, Nitrobacter sp. Nb-311A, Nitrobacter winogradskyi Nb-255, Nitrococcus mobilis Nb-231, Nitrosococcus oceani ATCC 19707, Nitrosococcus oceani C-27, Nitrosomonas europaea ATCC 19718, Nitrosomonas eutropha C91, Nitrosospira multiformis ATCC 25196, Oceanospirillum sp. MED92, Oligotropha carboxidovorans 0M5, Pectobacterium atrosepticum SCRI1043, Photobacterium profundum 3TCK, Photobacterium profundum SS9, Photobacterium sp. SKA34, Photorhabdus luminescens, Photorhabdus luminescens subsp. laumondii 1101, Polaromonas naphthalenivorans CJ2, Polaromonas sp. JS666, Polynucleobacter sp. QLW-P1DMWA-1, Proteus mirabilis HI4320, Providencia stuartii ATCC 25827, Pseudoalteromonas atlantica T6c, Pseudoalteromonas haloplanktis TAC125, Pseudoalteromonas sp. 643A, Pseudoalteromonas tunicata D2, Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA7, Pseudomonas aeruginosa PACS2, Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA01, Pseudomonas aeruginosa UCBPP-PA14, Pseudomonas entomophila L48, Pseudomonas fluorescens Pf0-1, Pseudomonas fluorescens Pf-5, Pseudomonas mendocina ymp, Pseudomonas putida F1, Pseudomonas putida GB-1, Pseudomonas putida KT2440, Pseudomonas putida W619, Pseudomonas stutzeri A1501, Pseudomonas syringae pv. Phaseolicola 1448A, Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae B728a, Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato str. DC3000, Psychromonas ingrahamii 37, Ralstonia eutropha H16, Ralstonia eutropha JMP134, Ralstonia metallidurans CH34, Ralstonia pickettii 12D, Ralstonia pickettii 12J, Ralstonia solanacearum GMI1000, Ralstonia solanacearum IP01609, Ralstonia solanacearum MolK2, Ralstonia solanacearum UW551, Reinekea sp. MED297, Rhodobacterales bacterium Y4I, Rhodoferax ferrireducens T118, Rhodopseudomonas palustris BisA53, Rhodopseudomonas palustris BisB18, Rhodopseudomonas palustris BisB5, Rhodopseudomonas palustris CGA009, Rhodopseudomonas palustris HaA2, Rhodopseudomonas palustris TIE-1, Rhodospirillum centenum SW, Saccharophagus degradans 2-40, Salmonella enterica subsp. arizonae serovar 62:z4,z23:--, Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Choleraesuis str. SC-B67, Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar allinarum str. 287/91, Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Hadar str. RI_05P066, Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Javiana str. GA_MM04042433, Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Saintpaul str. SARA23, Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Saintpaul str. SARA29, Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhi str. CT18, Salmonella typhimurium LT2, Serratia proteamaculans 568, Shewanella amazonensis SB2B, Shewanella baltica OS155, Shewanella baltica OS185, Shewanella baltica OS195, Shewanella baltica OS223, Shewanella benthica KT99, Shewanella denitrificans OS217, Shewanella frigidimarina NCIMB 400, Shewanella halifaxensis HAW-EB4, Shewanella loihica PV-4, Shewanella oneidensis MR-1, Shewanella pealeana ATCC 700345, Shewanella putrefaciens 200, Shewanella sediminis HAW-EB3, Shewanella sp. ANA-3, Shewanella sp. MR-4, Shewanella sp. MR-7, Shewanella sp. W3-18-1, Shewanella woodyi ATCC 51908, Shigella boydii Sb227, Shigella dysenteriae Sd197, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia K279a, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia R551-3, Streptococcus sp. (N1), synthetic construct, Thauera sp. MZ1T, Thioalkalivibrio sp. HL-EbGR7, Thiobacillus denitrificans ATCC25259, Thiomicrospira crunogena XCL-2, Vibrio alginolyticus 12G01, Vibrio angustum S14, Vibrio campbellii AND4, Vibrio cholerae 2740-80, Vibrio cholerae MZO-2, Vibrio cholerae 01 biovar eltor str. N16961, Vibrio cholerae V51, Vibrio fischeri ES114, Vibrio fischeri MJ11, Vibrio harveyi ATCC BAA-1116, Vibrio mimicus, Vibrionales bacterium SWAT-3, Vibrio parahaemolyticus AQ3810, Vibrio parahaemolyticus RIMD 2210633, Vibrio shilonii AK1, Vibrio splendidus 12B01, Vibrio sp. MED222, Vibrio vulnificus CMCP6, Vibrio vulnificus YJO16, Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri str. 306, Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris str. ATCC 33913, Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris str. B100, Xanthomonas campestris pv. Vesicatoria str. 85-10, Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae KACC10331, Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae PXO99A, Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzicola BLS256, Yersinia bercovieri ATCC 43970, Yersinia enterocolitica subsp. enterocolitica 8081, Yersinia frederiksenii ATCC 33641, Yersinia intermedia ATCC 29909, Yersinia mollaretii ATCC 43969, Yersinia pestis Angola, Yersinia pestis biovar Orientalis str. F1991016, Yersinia pestis C092, Yersinia pestis KIM or Yersinia pseudotuberculosis IP 31758.

In one embodiment of the invention, the precursor thioesterase is a thioesterase that has an analogous sequence to that of ‘TesA (e.g., a TesA enzyme sans the signal peptide). In a preferred embodiment, the precursor thioesterase has at least about 20%, for example, at least about 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% sequence identity to ‘TesA. In yet another example, the precursor thioesterase has at least about 20%, for example, at least about 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% sequence identity to a ‘TesA that is obtained from an E. coli., such as an E. coli K12. In a further example, the precursor thioesterase is a thioesterase that has an analogous sequence to the sequence of SEQ ID NO:31 in FIG. 58, and preferably at least about 20%, for example, at least about 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:31 in FIG. 58. The analogous sequence can be from a naturally-occurring protein or can be from a previously modified protein.

In one embodiment of the invention, the precursor thioesterase is a thioesterase that comprises the amino acid strings:

G-D-S-L-X(5)-M (SEQ ID NO:28), wherein:

the “X” refers to any amino acid residue; the number in the parenthetical adjacent thereto,

when present, refers to the number of X residues in the stretch of amino acid residues;

the S residue at position 3 is a catalytic residue;

the D residue at position 2 may be substituted with N or T;

the L residue at position 4 may be substituted with C or Q;

the M residue at position 10 may be substituted with C, D, L, N, T, or V;

and/or V-X(2)-G-X-N-D-X-L (SEQ ID NO:29), wherein:

each “X” refers to any amino acid residue; the number in the parentheses adjacent thereto,

when present, refers to the number of X residues in the stretch of amino acid residues;

the N residue at position 6 is in the oxyanion hole;

the V residue at position 1 may be substituted with L;

the N residue at position 6 may be substituted with V, L, C, A, G, H, I, T, or W;

the D residue at position 7 may be substituted with E;

the L residue at position 9 may be substituted with I, W, F, T, M, A, E, N, or V;

and/or D-X(2)-H-P-X(7)-I (SEQ ID NO:30), wherein:

each “X” refers to any amino acid residue; each number in the parentheses adjacent thereto, when present, refers to the number of X residues in the respective stretch of amino acid residues;

the D and H residues at positions 1 and 4 respectively are the catalytic residues;

the P residue at position 5 may be substituted with G, A, F, L, S, or V;

the I residue at position 13 may be substituted with L or V.

In one embodiment of the invention, the precursor thioesterase is a thioesterase having immunological cross-reactivity with a ‘TesA obtained from an E. coli. In a particular embodiment, the precursor thioesterase has immunological cross-reactivity with the ‘TesA obtained from an E. coli K-12. In a particular embodiment, the precursor thioesterase has immunological cross-reactivity with a thioesterase comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:31 as set forth in FIG. 58. In a particular embodiment, the precursor thioesterase has cross-reactivity with fragments (or portions) of any of the thioesterases obtained from an E. coli, or from an E. coli K-12, and/or of any thioesterase that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:31 as set forth in FIG. 58. The precursor enzyme having immunological cross-reactivity with ‘TesA can be a naturally-occurring protein, a previously modified protein, or a synthetic protein.

In another particular example, the precursor thioesterase is a ‘TesA from an E. coli, or is a homolog, a paralog or an ortholog of a ‘TesA from an E. coli, such as a ‘TesA from an E. coli K12. The thioesterase precursor from which a mutant of the present invention is derived can also be an enzymatically active portion or a fragment of any one of the afore-described thioesterases.

In one embodiment of the invention, a mutant thioesterase (or a naturally-occurring equivalent thereof) is provided that comprises an amino acid sequence having at least one substitution of an amino acid, as compared to a precursor thioesterase, such that the mutant thioesterase has at least one altered property in relation to the precursor thioesterase. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a mutant thioesterase is provided that has an amino acid sequence with a single substitution mutation, and exhibits at least one altered property as compared to the precursor thioesterase from which the mutant is derived. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a mutant thioesterase is provided that comprises an amino acid sequence having two or more substitution mutations from the sequence of its precursor thioesterase, and the mutant thioesterase has at least one altered property as compared to the precursor thioesterase.

In one embodiment of the invention, a mutant thioesterase (or a naturally-occurring equivalent thereof) is provided, which is a variant of a precursor thioesterase, and which has at least one altered property in vitro or in vivo in relation to such a precursor thioesterase, wherein the precursor thioesterase is a thioesterase that comprises an analogous sequence to SEQ ID NO:31 in FIG. 58 and accordingly comprises corresponding amino acid residues 1-182 of SEQ ID NO:31, and wherein the precursor thioesterase is modified at one or more amino acid positions selected from positions corresponding to one or more residues 1-182 of SEQ ID NO:31 in FIG. 58.

In one embodiment of the invention, a mutant thioesterase (or a naturally-occurring equivalent thereof) is provided, which is a variant of a precursor thioesterase that comprises an analogous sequence to SEQ ID NO:31 in FIG. 58 and accordingly comprises corresponding amino acid residues 1-182 of SEQ ID NO:31, and which has at least one altered property in vitro or in vivo in relation to such precursor thioesterase, wherein the precursor thioesterase is mutated at one or more positions corresponding to one or more amino acid positions of SEQ ID NO:31 in FIG. 58 selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, 149, 150, 151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 156, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167, 168, 169, 170, 171, 172, 173, 174, 175, 176, 177, 178, 179, 180, 181, and/or 182.

In one embodiment of the invention, a mutant thioesterase (or a naturally-occurring equivalent) is provided, which is a variant of a precursor thioesterase that comprises an analogous sequence to SEQ ID NO:31 of FIG. 58 and accordingly comprises corresponding amino acid residues 1-182 of SEQ ID NO:31, and which has at least one altered property in vitro or in vivo in relation to such precursor thioesterase, wherein the precursor thioesterase is mutated with one or more substitutions selected from A1C, A1F, A1L, A1Q, A1R, A1S, A1V, A1Y, D2E, D2H, D2K, D2L, D2M, D2P, D2R, D2W, T3E, T3G, T3K, T3L, T3R, T3W, L4A, L4G, L4M, L4N, L4S, L4V, L4Y, L5C, L5E, L5F, L5G, L5H, L5K, L5N, L5Q, L5S, L5W, L5Y, I6A, I6L, I6T, I6V, L7A, L7C, L7E, L7K, L7M, L7N, L7S, L7T, L7V, L7W, L7Y, G8A, G8K, G8S, D9N, D9T, S10C, L11A, L11C, L11I, L11M, L11Q, L11V, S12A, S12I, S12L, S12M, S12N, S12T, S12V, S12Y, A13C, A13D, A13G, A13H, A13I, A13L, A13N, A135, A13T, A13V, A13W, A13Y, G14A, G14C, G14E, G14F, G14I, G14K, G14M, G14N, G14P, G14Q, G14R, G14S, G14T, G14V, Y15A, Y15C, Y15D, Y15E, Y15G, Y15I, Y15L, Y15M, Y15N, Y15Q, Y15R, Y155, Y15V, R16A, R16D, R16E, R16G, R16H, R16I, R16L, R16M, R16N, R16P, R16Q, R165, R16T, R16V, R16W, M17A, M17C, M17D, M17E, M17G, M17K, M17L, M17N, M17P, M17Q, M17R, M175, M17T, M17V, S18E, S18M, S18N, S18T, A19C, A19E, A19L, A19V, S20A, S20C, S20D, S20G, S20L, S20T, S20W, A21G, A21I, A21L, A21P, A21Y, A22C, A22D, A22E, A22F, A22G, A22H, A22I, A22K, A22L, A22M, A22N, A22P, A22R, A22S, A22T, A22Y, W23A, W23H, W23N, W23P, W23Y, P24A, P24C, P24D, P24E, P24F, P24G, P24I, P24M, P24N, P24S, P24T, P24V, P24W, A25D, A25E, A25L, A25N, A25P, A25Q, A25R, A25S, A25V, L26C, L26D, L26E, L26F, L26G, L26H, L26I, L26K, L26N, L26P, L26Q, L26R, L26S, L26V, L26W, L26Y, L27A, L27C, L27F, L27H, L27M, L27R, L27S, L27T, L27V, L27W, L27Y, N28A, N28G, N28I, N28K, N28M, N28P, N28R, N28W, D29M, D29P, D29V, K30P, W31D, W31E, W31G, W31L, W31N, W31P, W31R, W31S, W31T, Q32V, Q32Y, S33F, S33G, S33I, S33M, S33R, K34A, K34H, K34M, K34R, T35F, T35G, T35K, T35L, T35M, T35Q, T35V, T35Y, S36A, S36F, S36H, S36I, S36L, S36W, V37A, V37F, V37G, V37H, V37L, V37N, V37S, V37Q, V37S, V37W, V37Y, V38D, V38E, V38F, V38G, V38K, V38L, V38P, V38R, V38S, N39A, N39C, N39E, N39F, N39G, N39K, N39M, N39P, N39Q, N39R, N39T, N39V, N39W, N39Y, A40D, A40G, A40H, A40L, A40M, A40P, A40T, A40V, A40Y, S41C, S41P, S41T, I42A, I42C, I42D, I42E, I42G, I42K, I42L, I42M, I42P, I42S, I42T, I42W, I42Y, S43A, S43C, S43D, S43E, S43F, S43G, S43H, S43L, S43M, S43N, S43P, S43R, S43T, S43V, S43W, G44A, G44C, G44E, G44F, G44H, G44K, G44L, G44M, G44N, G44Q, G44R, G44S, G44W, G44Y, D45A, D45C, D45E, D45F, D45G, D45H, D45I, D45K, D45L, D45M, D45P, D45Q, D45S, D45T, D45V, D45W, T46A, T46C, T46D, T46E, T46F, T46G, T46I, T46K, T46L, T46N, T46R, T46S, T46V, T46W, S47A, S47C, S47E, S47F, S47G, S47L, S47M, S47P, S47Q, S47R, S47T, S47V, S47W, S47Y, Q48C, Q48D, Q48E, Q48F, Q48G, Q48I, Q48M, Q48S, Q48T, Q48V, Q48W, Q48Y, Q49A, Q49C, Q49D, Q49E, Q49G, Q49H, Q49I, Q49K, Q49L, Q49M, Q49P, Q49R, Q49S, Q49V, Q49W, Q49Y, G50A, G50C, G50E, G50F, G50I, G50K, G50L, G50M, G50N, G50P, G50Q, G50R, G50S, G50T, G50W, G50Y, L51A, L51C, L51D, L51F, L51H, L51N, L51P, L51S, L51T, L51V, L51W, L51Y, A52C, A52D, A52H, A52I, A52L, A52M, A52P, A52R, A52V, A52W, A52Y, R53A, R53C, R53D, R53E, R53F, R53G, R53I, R53K, R53L, R53N, R53S, R53T, R53V, R53W, R53Y, L54A, L54C, L54E, L54F, L54G, L54M, L54N, L54S, L54T, L54W, L54Y, P55A, P55G, P55Y, A56P, A56R, A56W, A56Y, L57A, L57C, L57F, L57G, L57H, L57I, L57K, L57N, L57P, L57Q, L57R, L57S, L57T, L57V, L57W, L57Y, L58A, L58D, L58E, L58F, L58G, L58H, L58I, L58M, L58N, L58R, L58S, L58V, L58W, L58Y, K59E, K59R, K59V, Q60E, Q60M, Q60P, H61A, H61D, H61E, H61G, H61P, H61W, Q62G, Q62M, Q62P, Q62W, P63D, P63E, P63G, P63I, P63K, P63L, P63M, P63N, P63Q, P63R, P63S, P63T, P63V, P63W, R64D, R64E, R64F, R64L, R64M, R64P, R64Q, R64W, R64Y, W65A, W65E, W65G, W65K, W65L, W65M, W65N, W65P, W65R, W65V, V66C, V66G, V66I, V66M, V66N, V66Q, V66S, V66W, V66Y, L67A, L67C, L67E, L67G, L67M, L67Q, L67Q, L67S, L67T, L67W, V68A, V68E, V68G, V68L, V68M, V68N, V68P, V68Q, V68S, V68T, E69A, E69C, E69D, E69F, E69G, E69H, E69K, E69L, E69M, E69N, E69P, E69Q, E69S, E69V, E69W, E69Y, L70A, L70C, L70E, L70F, L70G, L70H, L70I, L70K, L70Q, L70S, L70T, L70V, L70W, G71A, G71C, G71S, G72A, G72C, G72M, G72P, G72S, N73A, N73C, N73G, N73H, N73I, N73L, N73P, N73R, N73S, N73T, N73V, N73W, D74A, D74C, D74E, D74F, D74G, D74Q, D74S, D74W, D74Y, G75A, G75C, G75D, G75E, G75F, G75I, G75K, G75L, G75M, G75N, G75P, G75R, G75T, G75V, G75W, G75Y, L76A, L76C, L76D, L76E, L76F, L76G, L76I, L76K, L76M, L76N, L76P, L76Q, L76R, L76T, L76V, L76W, R77A, R77C, R77D, R77E, R77F, R77G, R77H, R77K, R77L, R77N, R77Q, R77S, R77V, R77W, G78A, G78C, G78D, G78E, G78F, G78M, G78N, G78P, G78Q, G78R, G78S, G78T, G78V, G78Y, F79A, F79D, F79E, F79G, F79H, F79K, F79M, F79N, F79P, F79Q, F79S, F79V, F79W, F79Y, Q80A, Q80E, Q80G, Q80L, Q80M, Q80S, Q80W, Q80Y, P81A, P81E, P81K, P81L, P81M, P81N, P81T, P81W, P81Y, Q82A, Q82F, Q82I, Q82M, Q82N, Q82P, Q82R, Q82S, Q82T, Q82V, Q82W, Q82Y, Q83A, Q83C, Q83F, Q83G, Q83K, Q83L, Q83M, Q83N, Q83R, Q83S, Q83T, Q83V, Q83W, Q83Y, T84A, T84D, T84E, T84F, T84G, T84H, T84K, T84L, T84M, T84N, T84Q, T84R, T84S, T84V, T84W, T84Y, E85A, E85C, E85D, E85F, E85G, E85L, E85P, E85Q, E85R, E85S, E85T, E85V, E85W, E85Y, Q86A, Q86G, Q86H, Q86K, Q86P, Q86T, Q86V, Q86W, Q86Y, T87A, T87C, T87D, T87E, T87F, T87G, T87H, T87L, T87M, T87P, T87R, T87S, T87V, T87W, L88A, L88C, L88E, L88F, L88G, L88H, L88Q, L88S, L88W, L88Y, R89A, R89G, R89H, R89L, R89P, R89T, R89V, R89W, Q90E, Q90L, Q90N, Q90P, Q90W, Q90Y, 191E, I91G, I91L, I91M, I91N, I91Q, I91S, I91V, I91Y, L92A, L92C, L92E, L92G, L92H, L92N, L92Q, L92R, L92S, L92T, L92V, L92Y, Q93A, Q93E, Q93F, Q93G, Q93H, Q93I, Q93L, Q93M, Q93N, Q93P, Q93S, Q93V, Q93W, Q93Y, D94C, D94E, D94F, D94G, D94H, D94K, D94L, D94N, D94P, D94Q, D94R, D94S, D94V, V95A, V95C, V95D, V95E, V95F, V95G, V95I, V95L, V95M, V95N, V95P, V95Q, V95T, V95W, V95Y, K96A, K96C, K96L, K96N, K96P, K96Q, K96R, K96V, K96Y, A97C, A97E, A97F, A97K, A97N, A97P, A97R, A97V, A97W, A98E, A98G, A98K, A98L, A98P, A98V, A98W, A98Y, N99A, N99C, N99D, N99G, N99L, N99M, N99P, N99Q, N99R, N99S, N99W, N99Y, A100D, A100E, A100G, A100H, A100I, A100K, A100L, A100M, A100Q, A100R, A100S, A100T, A100V, A100W, A100Y, E101A, E101D, E101G, E101L, E101M, E101P, E101S, E101T, E101V, P102E, P102F, P102G, P102H, P102I, P102L, P102Q, P102R, P102S, P102V, P102W, P102Y, L103A, L103C, L103E, L103G, L103I, L103K, L103N, L103Q, L103R, L103S, L103T, L103V, L103W, L104A, L104C, L104E, L104G, L104I, L104N, L104P, L104Q, L104S, L104W, L104Y, M105A, M105C, M105E, M105F, M105G, M105I, M105K, M105L, M105P, M105T, M105V, M105W, Q106A, Q106C, Q106D, Q106G, Q106H, Q106K, Q106L, Q106M, Q106R, Q106S, Q106T, Q106V, Q106W, Q106Y, I107A, I107C, I107E, I107F, I107G, I107K, I107L, I107M, I107Q, I107S, I107T, I107V, I107Y, R108A, R108C, R108D, R108E, R108F, R108G, R108H, R108I, R108L, R108M, R108S, R108V, R108W, R108Y, L109A, L109C, L109D, L109E, L109F, L109G, L109K, L109M, L109P, L109Q, L109R, L109S, L109T, L109V, L109Y, P110A, P110C, P110D, P110E, P110F, P110G, P110H, P110K, P110L, P110M, P110N, P110R, P110S, P110V, P110W, A111C, A111E, A111L, A111M, A111N, A111P, A111Q, A111R, A111S, A111V, A111W, A111Y, N112A, N112F, N112G, N112I, N112K, N112L, N112P, N112R, N112V, N112W, N112Y, Y113A, Y113C, Y113D, Y113E, Y113G, Y113I, Y113M, Y113P, Y113Q, Y113S, Y113S, Y113W, G114A, G114F, G114K, G114L, G114M, G114P, G114W, G114Y, R115A, R115C, R115E, R115G, R115I, R115N, R115P, R115Q, R115S, R115V, R115W, R115Y, R116C, R116D, R116E, R116H, R116T, R116V, R116W, Y117A, Y117C, Y117D, Y117E, Y117G, Y117H, Y117I, Y117L, Y117M, Y117N, Y117P, Y117Q, Y117R, Y117S, Y117T, Y117V, Y117W, N118A, N118C, N118E, N118F, N118G, N118H, N118I, N118K, N118L, N118M, N118P, N118Q, N118S, N118T, N118V, N118W, E119C, E119D, E119F, E119G, E119K, E119L, E119M, E119P, E119Q, E119R, E119T, E119W, E119Y, A120D, A120E, A120G, A120I, A120L, A120P, A120T, A120W, F121A, F121C, F121D, F121E, F121G, F121K, F121L, F121M, F121N, F121P, F121Q, F121R, F121S, F121V, F121W, F121Y, S122A, S122C, S122D, S122E, S122F, S122G, S122I, S122L, S122M, S122P, S122R, S122V, S122W, S122Y, A123C, A123E, A123F, A123H, A123L, A123R, A123T, A123V, A123W, A123Y, I124A, I124C, I124D, I124E, I124G, I124H, I124K, I124L, I124R, I124S, I124T, I124W, I124Y, Y125C, Y125F, Y125G, Y125H, Y125I, Y125L, Y125P, Y125Q, Y125R, Y125S, Y125T, Y125V, Y125W, P126C, P126F, P126H, P126K, P126R, P126T, P126V, P126Y, K127A, K127I, K127P, K127S, L128A, L128C, L128E, L128F, L128G, L128Q, L128R, L128S, L128T, L128V, L128W, A129D, A129F, A129H, A129I, A129K, A129L, A129N, A129W, A129Y, K130E, K130I, K130P, K130V, E131A, E131C, E131D, E131F, E131G, E131I, E131K, E131L, E131N, E131P, E131V, E131W, F132C, F132D, F132E, F132K, F132L, F132N, F132P, F132T, F132V, D133C, D133K, D133R, D133S, D133T, D133V, D133Y, V134C, V134D, V134E, V134I, V134K, V134M, V134N, V134P, V134Q, V134R, V134S, V134W, V134Y, P135A, P135E, P135K, P135Q, L136A, L136C, L136D, L136E, L136F, L136G, L136H, L136K, L136M, L136N, L136P, L136Q, L136R, L136S, L136T, L137A, L137C, L137D, L137E, L137G, L137H, L137K, L137P, L137Q, L137R, L137S, L137Y, P138E, P138F, P138G, P138N, P138R, P138T, P138V, F139A, F139C, F139D, F139E, F139G, F139H, F139L, F139M, F139N, F139S, F139T, F139V, F139W, F140A, F140C, F140G, F140I, F140L, F140M, F140N, F140P, F140S, F140T, F140V, F140W, M141A, M141C, M141D, M141E, M141F, M141G, M141K, M141L, M141P, M141Q, M141R, M141T, M141V, M141W, M141Y, E142A, E142C, E142G, E142I, E142L, E142M, E142N, E142P, E142Q, E142R, E142S, E142T, E142V, E142W, E142Y, E143A, E143D, E143F, E143G, E143I, E143M, E143P, E143W, V144A, V144D, V144E, V144G, V144H, V144N, V144P, V144Q, V144R, V144S, V144W, V144Y, Y145A, Y145C, Y145D, Y145E, Y145G, Y145I, Y145L, Y145M, Y145N, Y145Q, Y145R, Y145S, Y145T, Y145W, L146A, L146C, L146D, L146E, L146G, L146H, L146P, L146S, L146W, K147G, K147P, K147R, K147W, P148D, P148E, P148W, Q149L, W150C, W150D, W150E, W150G, W150L, W150P, W150Q, W150R, W150T, M150V, M151A, M151C, M151D, M151E, M151F, M151G, M151I, M151L, M151Q, M151R, M151S, M151T, M151V, M151W, Q152A, Q152D, Q152E, Q152F, Q152H, Q152I, Q152K, Q152L, Q152N, Q152P, Q152R, Q152S, Q152T, Q152V, Q152Y, D153A, D153E, D153F, D153I, D153K, D153M, D153P, D153Q, D153V, D153W, D154A, D154C, D154E, D154F, D154G, D154H, D154I, D154K, D154L, D154M, D154N, D154P, D154R, D154S, D154T, D154V, D154W, G155A, G155F, G155H, G155I, G155P, G155V, G155W, G155Y, I156A, I156C, I156E, I156F, I156G, I156K, I156L, I156M, I156Q, I156R, I156S, I156T, I156V, I156Y, H157C, H157E, P158A, P158F, P158G, P158H, P158I, P158L, P158Q, P158S, P158T, P158V, P158W, N159C, N159E, N159G, N159I, N159K, N159L, N159M, N159P, N159Q, N159R, N159T, N159V, N159W, R160A, R160C, R160D, R160E, R160G, R160H, R160I, R160K, R160N, R160Q, R160S, R160W, D161E, D161G, D161I, D161K, D161L, D161M, D161N, D161Q, D161R, D161S, D161V, D161W, A162G, A162I, A162K, A162L, A162N, A162R, A162T, A162V, A162Y, Q163A, Q163C, Q163D, Q163E, Q163F, Q163G, Q163I, Q163L, Q163M, Q163S, Q163T, Q163V, Q163W, Q163Y, P164A, P164C, P164D, P164K, P164L, P164M, P164N, P164R, P164T, P164V, P164W, F165D, F165E, F165G, F165H, F165I, F165K, F165L, F165M, F165R, F165S, F165T, F165V, F165W, F165Y, I166A, I166C, I166F, I166L, I166M, I166S, I166V, I166Y, A167C, A167D, A167E, A167F, A167G, A167K, A167L, A167M, A167N, A167Q, A167R, A167T, A167V, A167W, A167Y, D168A, D168G, D168H, D168L, D168M, D168P, D168R, D168T, D168V, D168W, W169A, W169D, W169E, W169G, W169K, W169M, W169Q, W169R, W169S, W169T, W169V, M170A, M170E, M170F, M170G, M170H, M170L, M170N, M170Q, M170S, M170T, M170V, M170W, M170Y, A171E, A171F, A171I, A171S, A171V, A171W, K172A, K172M, K172P, Q173D, Q173I, Q173N, Q173P, Q173W, Q173Y, L174A, L174F, L174G, L174Q, L174S, L174T, L174W, L174W, L174Y, Q175F, Q175I, Q175L, Q175M, Q175Y, P176D, P176H, P176K, P176L, P176N, P176Q, P176R, P176V, P176W, P176Y, L177D, L177F, L177G, L177M, L177S, L177T, V178A, V178F, V178G, V178K, V178L, V178R, V178S, V178T, V178W, N179G, N179H, N179R, N179T, N179V, N179W, N179Y, H180A, H180E, H180G, H180L, H180P, H180R, H180S, H180V, H180W, D181A, D181C, D181E, D181G, D181H, D181I, D181L, D181P, D181Q, D181R, D181S, D181T, D181W, S182A, S182C, S182D, S182E, S182G, S182I, S182K, S182L, S182N, S182P, S182Q, S182R, S182T, and/or S180V, wherein the numbers in the substitution mutation designations refer to amino acid positions of SEQ ID NO:31.

In one embodiment of the invention, a mutant thioesterase (or a naturally-occurring equivalent thereof) is provided, which has an increased substrate specificity for, and/or activity (e.g., catalytic rate) with respect to C₁₀ substrates (i.e., substrates, the carbon chains of which are 10 carbons in length), and which is a variant of a precursor thioesterase that comprises an analogous sequence to SEQ ID NO:31 in FIG. 58, wherein the precursor thioesterase is mutated at one or more amino acid positions corresponding to one or more of residues selected from 5-30, 35-60, 65-98, 102-139, and/or 140-180 of SEQ ID NO:31. The increased substrate specificity for, and/or activity with respect to C₁₀ substrates can be measured in vitro and/or in vivo.

In one embodiment of the invention, a mutant thioesterase (or a naturally-occurring equivalent thereof) is provided, which has an increased substrate specificity for, and/or activity (e.g., catalytic rate) with respect to C₁₀ substrates, and which is a variant of a precursor thioesterase that comprises an analogous sequence to SEQ ID NO:31 in FIG. 58, wherein the precursor thioesterase is mutated at one or more amino acid positions corresponding to one or more residues of SEQ ID NO:31 selected from 1, 3, 4, 7, 9, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 20, 22, 24, 25, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 42, 43, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 54, 56, 59, 60, 64, 68, 72, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 130, 132, 133, 134, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, 150, 151, 152, 156, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167, 168, 169, 170, 171, 172, 173, 175, 176, 177, 178, 179, 180, 18I, and/or 182. The increased substrate specificity for, and/or activity with respect to C₁₀ substrates can be measured in vitro and/or in vivo.

In one embodiment of the invention, a mutant thioesterase (or a naturally-occurring equivalent) is provided, which has an increased substrate specificity for, and/or activity (e.g., catalytic rate) with respect to C₁₀ substrates, and which is a variant of a precursor thioesterase that comprises an analogous sequence to SEQ ID NO:31 in FIG. 58, wherein the precursor thioesterase is mutated with one or more substitutions selected from A1L, A1S, T3K, L4A, L7M, L7V, D9N, S12A, A13D, G14A, G14E, G14P, G14Q, G14R, G14S, G14V, R16G, R16L, R16M, R16N, R16P, R16Q, R16T, M17C, M17L, M17T, M17V, S20A, S20C, S20D, S20G, S20L, S20T, S20W, A22C, A22D, A22E, A22G, A22H, A22I, A22K, A22N, P24A, P24C, P24D, P24F, P24I, P24S, P24T, P24V, P24W, A25E, A25L, A25N, A25Q, A25V, N28A, N28R, Q32V, Q32Y, V38E, V38K, V38R, N39A, N39T, A40D, A40H, I42A, I42E, I42L, I425, I42T, I42W, I42Y, S43A, S43C, S43D, S43E, S43L, S43N, S43P, T46E, T46F, T46I, T46L, T46V, S47A, S47C, S47F, S47G, S47L, S47M, S47T, S47V, Q48D, Q48E, Q48G, Q48S, Q48T, Q48V, Q48W, Q49A, Q49C, Q49D, Q49G, Q49H, Q49L, Q49M, Q49S, G50A, G50Q, L51A, L51F, L51H, L51Y, A52D, A52M, L54T, A56P, K59R, Q60M, R64D, R64E, R64Q, V68L, G72A, G72C, G72P, G72S, G75A, G75C, G75D, G75E, G75F, G75I, G75K, G75L, G75M, G75N, G75P, G75T, G75V, G75W, G75Y, L76A, L76D, L76G, L76I, L76K, L76M, L76N, L76P, L76Q, L76R, L76W, R77G, R77L, R77Q, G78A, G78C, G78E, G78F, G78M, G78N, G78Q, G78R, G78S, G78T, G78V, G78Y, F79A, F79D, F79E, F79G, F79H, F79N, F79Q, F79W, F79Y, Q80E, P81N, P81T, P81Y, Q82R, Q82S, Q82T, Q83A, Q83C, Q83F, Q83G, Q83K, Q83L, Q83M, Q83N, Q83R, Q83S, Q83T, Q83V, Q83W, Q83Y, T84A, T84F, T84L, T84M, T84N, T84Q, T84V, T84Y, E85A, E85C, E85L, E85Q, E85R, E85S, E85T, E85W, E85Y, Q86A, Q86G, Q86K, Q86T, T87D, T87P, R89A, R89G, Q90E, Q90Y, I91V, L92V, Q93A, Q93E, Q93G, Q93H, Q93I, Q93L, Q93S, Q93W, Q93Y, D94E, D94F, D94G, D94H, D94K, D94N, D94Q, D94R, D94S, D94V, V95L, V95T, K96V, K96Y, A98W, N99G, N99L, N99P, N99Q, N99R, N99Y, A100G, A100V, E101A, E101D, E101G, E101L, E101M, E101S, E101T, E101V, P102S, L103G, M105C, M105I, M105V, Q106A, Q106D, Q106H, Q106W, I107Y, R108A, R108D, R108E, R108F, R108G, R108H, R108I, R108L, R108M, R108S, R108W, R108Y, L109A, L109D, L109E, L109F, L109G, L109K, L109P, L109R, L109S, L109Y, P110C, P110D, P110E, P110F, P110G, P110H, P110K, P110L, P110M, P110N, P110R, P110S, P110V, P110W, A111C, A111E, A111L, A111M, A111P, A111Q, A111R, A111V, A111W, A111Y, N112A, N112F, N112G, N112K, N112R, N112W, Y113A, Y113C, Y113G, Y113I, Y113M, G114K, G114L, G114P, R115A, R115C, R115E, R115G, R115N, R115S, R115W, R115Y, R116D, R116E, R116W, Y117A, Y117C, Y117E, Y117I, Y117L, Y117N, Y117Q, Y117R, Y117S, Y117T, Y117V, N118C, N118G, N118I, N118K, N118S, N118T, N118V, N118W, E119C, E119F, E119G, E119K, E119M, E119R, E119W, E119Y, A120D, A120E, A120G, A120W, F121A, F121D, F121E, F121M, F121P, F121Q, F121R, F121S, F121Y, S122D, S122E, S122F, S122I, S122L, S122M, S122V, S122W, S122Y, A123H, A123L, A123V, I124I, Y125C, Y125F, Y125G, Y125P, Y125S, Y125V, Y125W, P126R, P126T, P126V, P126Y, K127S, L128C, L128T, L128V, K130E, K130I, K130V, F132D, F132E, F132N, F132T, D133K, D133R, D133S, D133T, D133V, D133Y, V134I, V134M, V134S, P138E, P138N, P138R, P138T, P138V, F139A, F139D, F139G, F139H, F139M, F139S, F139W, F140C, F140G, F140M, F140N, F140P, F140S, M141A, M141C, M141D, M141E, M141F, M141G, M141K, M141L, M141P, M141Q, M141R, M141T, M141V, M141W, M141Y, E142A, E142C, E142P, E142Q, E142W, E142Y, V144D, V144E, V144G, V144H, V144N, V144P, V144Q, V144R, V144S, V144W, V144Y, Y145A, Y145C, Y145D, Y145E, Y145G, Y145I, Y145L, Y145M, Y145N, Y145Q, Y145T, Y145W, L146A, L146C, L146D, L146E, L146G, L146H, L146S, L146W, K147G, K147P, K147W, P148D, P148E, W150C, W150D, W150E, W150G, W150L, W150Q, W150T, M151A, M151C, M151E, M151F, M151G, M151I, M151Q, M151S, M151T, M151V, M151W, Q152D, Q152F, Q152I, Q152L, Q152I, I156L, P158A, P158F, P158G, P158H, P158I, P158L, P158Q, P158T, P158V, N159C, N159E, N159G, N159I, N159K, N159L, N159M, N159R, N159T, N159V, R160A, R160C, R160D, R160E, R160G, R160H, R160N, R160Q, R160S, R160W, D161E, D161G, D161I, D161K, D161L, D161M, D161Q, D161R, D161W, A162I, A162L, A162T, A162V, A162Y, Q163G, Q163L, Q163M, Q163S, P164A, P164C, P164D, P164M, P164N, P164R, P164V, P164W, F165D, F165E, F165G, F165H, F165I, F165K, F165L, F165M, F165R, F165S, F165T, F165V, F165Y, I166F, I166L, I166M, I166V, A167C, A167M, A167R, A167T, D168G, D168P, D168R, W169E, W169K, W169Q, M170F, M170H, M170L, M170T, M170V, M170Y, A171E, A171F, A171V, A171W, K172A, K172M, Q173N, Q175I, P176H, P176K, P176N, P176W, L177M, L177T, V178T, V178W, N179G, N179H, N179R, N179T, N179V, N179Y, H180E, H180G, H180R, H180V, H180W, D181A, D181H, D181I, D181L, D181P, D181R, D181W, S182A, S182G, S182K, S182L, S182P, and/or S182R, wherein the numbers in the substitution mutation designations refer to amino acid positions of SEQ ID NO:31. The increased substrate specificity for, and/or activity with respect to C₁₀ substrates can be measured in vitro and/or in vivo.

In one embodiment of the invention, a mutant thioesterase (or a naturally-occurring equivalent thereof) is provided, which has an increased substrate specificity for, and/or activity (e.g., catalytic rate) with respect to C₁₂ substrates (i.e., substrates, the carbon chains of which are 12 carbons in length), and which is a variant of a precursor thioesterase that comprises an analogous sequence to SEQ ID NO:31 in FIG. 58, wherein the precursor thioesterase is mutated at one or more amino acid positions corresponding to residues 10-25, 35-85, 90-103, 110-143, 146-180 of SEQ ID NO:31. The increased substrate specificity for, and/or activity with respect to C₁₂ substrates can be measured in vitro and/or in vivo.

In one embodiment of the invention, a mutant thioesterase (or a naturally-occurring equivalent) is provided, which has an increased substrate specificity for, and/or activity (e.g., catalytic rate) with respect to C₁₂ substrates, and which is a variant of a precursor thioesterase that comprises an analogous sequence to SEQ ID NO:31 in FIG. 58, wherein the precursor thioesterase is mutated at one or more amino acid positions corresponding one or more residues of SEQ ID NO:31 selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 35, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 57, 58, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 119, 120, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 133, 134, 136, 137, 140, 141, 142, 145, 149, 152, 153, 155, 156, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 166, 167, 168, 169, 170, 172, 173, 174, 175, 176, 177, 179, 180, 181, and/or 182. The increased substrate specificity for, and/or activity with respect to C₁₂ substrates can be measured in vitro and/or in vivo.

In one embodiment of the invention, a mutant thioesterase (or a naturally-occurring equivalent thereof) is provided, which has an increased substrate specificity for, and/or activity (e.g., catalytic rate) with respect to C₁₂ substrates, and which is a variant of a precursor thioesterase that comprises an analogous sequence to SEQ ID NO:31 in FIG. 58, wherein the precursor thioesterase is mutated with one or more substitutions selected from A1Q, A1S, A1V, D2E, D2K, D2P, D2W, T3R, T3W, L4A, L4Y, L5F, L5G, L5S, L5Y, I6T, I6V, L7A, L7C, L7M, L7N, L7S, L7T, L7V, L7Y, D9N, L11M, S12A, 512I, S12V, A13C, A13G, A13H, A13I, A13L, A13N, A13T, A13W, G14F, G14I, G14K, G14M, G14V, Y15A, Y15C, Y15D, Y15E, Y15G, Y15I, Y15L, Y15M, Y15N, Y15Q, Y15R, Y15S, Y15V, R16D, R16E, R16G, R16H, R16I, R16L, R16N, R16P, R16S, R16T, R16V, R16W, M17A, M17C, M17G, M17K, M17N, M17P, M17Q, M17R, M17S, M17T, S18M, S18N, A19L, 520A, 520C, 520D, 520G, 520L, 520T, 520W, A21I, A21L, A21P, A21Y, A22F, A22L, A22M, A22N, A22R, A22Y, P24G, P24V, A25D, A25E, A25L, A25N, A25Q, A25R, A25V, L26D, L26E, L26F, L26G, L26H, L26I, L26K, L26N, L26R, L26S, L26W, L26Y, L27A, L27C, L27F, L27M, L27W, L27Y, N28R, N28W, D29P, K30P, W31E, W31N, T35L, T35Y, V37F, V37S, V37W, V38D, V38F, V38G, V38P, N39A, N39C, N39E, N39G, N39Q, N39W, A40D, A40L, A40M, A40P, A40V, A40Y, S41C, S41T, I42A, I42C, I42D, 142E, I42G, 142K, I42L, I42M, I42P, 142S, I42T, I42W, I42Y, S43A, S43D, S43E, S43F, S43G, S43H, S43L, S43M, S43N, S43R, S43T, S43V, G44C, G44E, G44H, G44K, G44L, G44N, G44Q, G44R, G44S, D45A, D45C, D45E, D45F, D45H, D45I, D45K, D45L, D45M, D45P, D45Q, D45S, D45T, D45V, D45W, T46A, T46C, T46D, T46G, T46K, T46N, T46R, T46S, S47P, S47Q, Q48E, Q48V, Q48W, Q48Y, Q49A, Q49C, Q49D, Q49E, Q49G, Q49H, Q49I, Q49K, Q49L, Q49M, Q49P, Q49R, Q49S, Q49V, Q49W, Q49Y, G50A, G50C, G50F, G50I, G50K, G50L, G50M, G50N, G50P, G50Q, G50R, G50S, G50T, G50Y, L51A, L51D, L51N, L51T, L51V, L51W, A52C, A52M, A52P, A52W, R53A, R53C, R53D, R53E, R53F, R53G, R53I, R53K, R53L, R53N, R53S, R53T, R53V, R53W, R53Y, L54A, L54C, L54E, L54F, L54G, L54M, L54N, L54S, L54W, L54Y, P55Y, L57A, L57C, L57F, L57K, L57P, L57Q, L57R, L57Y, L58A, L58D, L58E, L58G, L58H, L58N, L58R, L58S, L58W, L58Y, Q60P, H61D, H61G, H61P, Q62P, Q62W, P63I, P63L, P63N, P63S, P63T, P63V, P63W, R64F, R64P, R64W, R64Y, W65A, W65E, W65G, W65K, W65M, W65N, W65V, V66M, V66S, L67A, L67T, V68A, V68L, V68M, V68S, V68T, E69A, E69C, E69D, E69G, E69H, E69K, E69L, E69M, E69N, E69P, E69V, E69Y, L70A, L70C, L70E, L70F, L70H, L70I, L70K, L70Q, L70S, L70T, L70V, G71A, G72A, N73G, N73H, N73L, N73R, N73S, N73T, D74E, D74G, L76I, L76M, L76W, R77C, R77D, R77E, R77G, R77K, R77L, R77Q, R77S, R77V, R77W, G78D, F79P, Q80G, Q80M, Q80S, Q80Y, P81A, P81E, P81K, P81L, P81M, P81W, P81Y, Q82F, Q82V, Q82W, Q82Y, Q83A, T84E, T84R, T84W, Q86A, Q86T, T87E, T87G, T87L, L88C, R89L, R89P, Q90N, Q90P, Q90W, I91G, I91M, I91S, I91V, I91Y, L92A, L92C, L92G, L92H, L92N, L92S, L92T, L92V, L92Y, Q93A, Q93G, Q93H, Q93I, Q93P, Q93Y, D94P, V95F, V95G, V95L, V95N, V95Q, V95T, V95W, K96A, K96L, K96P, K96Y, A97K, A97P, A98L, A98P, A98V, A98W, A98Y, N99C, N99D, N99G, N99L, N99M, N99P, N99Q, N99R, N99W, N99Y, A100D, A100E, A100G, A100H, A100I, A100K, A100L, A100Q, A100R, A100V, A100W, A100Y, E101G, E101L, E101M, E101P, E101S, E101T, E101V, P102E, P102F, P102H, P102L, P102Q, P102R, P102S, P102W, P102Y, L103E, L103K, L103N, L103Q, L103R, L104C, L104P, L104S, L104W, M105C, M105E, M105G, M105V, Q106A, Q106C, Q106G, Q106K, Q106R, Q106S, Q106T, I107C, I107E, I107K, I107L, I107M, I107S, I107V, R108F, R108W, L109M, A111C, A111Q, A111W, N112A, N112G, N112W, Y113A, Y113D, Y113G, Y113I, G114K, G114L, G114M, G114Y, R115A, R115C, R115E, R115G, R115N, R115S, R115Y, R116H, R116W, Y117C, Y117H, Y117I, Y117L, Y117M, Y117N, Y117S, Y117T, Y117V, E119C, E119F, E119K, E119M, E119R, E119W, E119Y, A120D, A120G, A120I, A120T, A120W, S122F, S122I, S122L, S122M, S122V, S122W, S122Y, A123C, A123F, A123H, A123L, A123R, A123T, A123V, A123W, A123Y, I124G, I124H, 1124K, I124L, I124R, I124S, I124Y, Y125F, Y125R, P126C, P126F, P126H, P126Y, K127I, K127P, L128A, L128S, L128T, A129H, A129I, A129K, A129N, A129W, A129Y, K130P, E131A, E131C, E131F, E131G, E131K, E131L, E131N, E131V, E131W, D133K, V134D, V134E, V134K, V134N, V134Q, V134R, V134W, V134Y, L136A, L136D, L136E, L136F, L136G, L136H, L136K, L136N, L136P, L136Q, L136R, L136S, L136T, L137E, L137G, L137H, L137P, L137Q, L137S, L137Y, F140M, M141A, M141C, M141L, M141P, E142C, Y145E, Q149L, Q152A, Q152D, Q152E, Q152H, Q152K, Q152R, Q152Y, D153K, G155F, G155W, G155Y, I156C, I156F, I156M, I156V, P158A, P158G, N159G, N159Q, N159T, N159V, R160A, R160D, R160E, R160G, R160H, R160N, R160Q, R160S, R160W, D161I, D161K, D161L, D161M, D161N, D161Q, D161W, A162G, Q163A, Q163C, Q163G, Q163L, Q163M, Q163S, Q163T, P164C, P164M, I166L, I166V, A167C, A167E, A167F, A167G, A167K, A167L, A167N, A167Q, A167R, A167T, A167V, A167Y, D168G, D168H, D168L, D168R, D168V, D168W, W169A, W169D, W169E, W169G, W169K, W169Q, W169S, M170F, M170G, M170N, M170Q, M170S, M170V, M170W, K172M, K172P, Q173N, L174A, L174F, L174G, L174T, L174W, Q175I, P176H, P176K, P176L, P176N, P176W, L177D, L177G, N179H, N179R, N179Y, H180A, H180G, D181H, D181I, D181L, D181R, D181W, S182K, S182L, S182P, and/or S182R, wherein the numbers in the substitution mutation designations refer to amino acid positions of SEQ ID NO:31. The increased substrate specificity for, and/or activity with respect to C₁₂ substrates can be measured in vitro and/or in vivo.

In one embodiment of the invention, a mutant thioesterase (or a naturally-occurring equivalent thereof) is provided, which has an increased substrate specificity for, and/or activity (e.g., catalytic rate) with respect to C₁₄ substrates (i.e., substrates, the carbon chains of which are 14 carbons in length), and which is a variant of a precursor thioesterase that comprises an analogous sequence to SEQ ID NO:31 in FIG. 58, wherein the precursor thioesterase is mutated at one or more amino acid positions corresponding to residues 5-20, 35-58, 65-80, 83-90, 110-130, 140-145, 155-160, 165-180 of SEQ ID NO:31. The increased substrate specificity for, and/or activity with respect to C₁₄ substrates can be measured in vitro and/or in vivo.

In one embodiment of the invention, a mutant thioesterase (or a naturally-occurring equivalent thereof) is provided, which has an increased substrate specificity for, and/or activity (e.g., catalytic rate) with respect to C₁₄ substrates, and which is a variant of a precursor thioesterase that comprises an analogous sequence to SEQ ID NO:31 in FIG. 58, wherein the precursor thioesterase is mutated at one or more amino acid positions corresponding one or more residues of SEQ ID NO:31 selected from 1, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 23, 25, 26, 28, 29, 33, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 56, 57, 58, 66, 68, 69, 70, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 89, 91, 92, 93, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 131, 133, 134, 136, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, 147, 148, 151, 152, 153, 155, 156, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167, 168, 169, 170, 171, 173, 174, 175, 176, 178, 179, 180, 181, and/or 182. The increased substrate specificity for, and/or activity with respect to C₁₄ substrates can be measured in vitro and/or in vivo.

In one embodiment of the invention, a mutant thioesterase (or a naturally-occurring equivalent thereof) is provided, which has an increased substrate specificity for, and/or activity (e.g., catalytic rate) with respect to C₁₄ substrates, and which is a variant of a precursor thioesterase that comprises an analogous sequence to SEQ ID NO:31 in FIG. 58, wherein the precursor thioesterase is mutated with one or more substitutions selected from A1S, L4S, L4Y, L5H, L5Y, L7C, L7M, L7N, L7S, L7T, L7Y, G8S, D9N, D9T, L11C, L11I, L11M, L11Q, L11V, S12I, S12L, S12M, S12T, S12V, A13H, A131, A13L, A13T, A13V, G14F, G141, G14R, G14T, G14V, Y15A, Y15C, Y15D, Y15E, Y15G, Y15I, Y15L, Y15M, Y15N, Y15Q, Y15R, Y15S, Y15V, R16G, R16N, R16P, R16W, M17C, M17D, M17G, M17K, M17N, M17P, M17R, M17S, M17T, S20A, S20D, S20G, S20L, S20T, S20W, A21G, A22L, A22N, A22Y, W23Y, A25E, A25N, A25Q, A25V, L26C, L26F, L26H, L26Q, L26V, L26Y, N28K, N28P, D29V, S33F, S36H, V37H, V37Q, V38F, N39F, N39M, N39Q, N39V, N39W, N39Y, A40G, A40P, A40T, A40V, S41P, S41T, I42A, I42D, 142E, I42G, I42L, I42M, I42P, I42S, I42T, I42W, I42Y, S43A, S43D, S43E, S43F, S43G, S43H, S43L, S43M, S43N, S43T, S43V, S43W, G44A, G44C, G44E, G44F, G44H, G44K, G44L, G44M, G44N, G44Q, G44R, G44S, G44W, G44Y, D45A, D45C, D45E, D45F, D45G, D45H, D45M, D45P, D45Q, D45S, D45T, D45V, D45W, T46A, T46C, T46D, T46G, T46K, T46N, T46S, T46W, S47E, S47P, S47Q, S47W, S47Y, Q48C, Q48F, Q48I, Q48M, Q48V, Q48W, Q48Y, Q49A, Q49C, Q49D, Q49E, Q49G, Q49H, Q49I, Q49K, Q49L, Q49M, Q49P, Q49R, Q49S, Q49V, Q49W, Q49Y, G50A, G50C, G50E, G50F, G50I, G50K, G50L, G50M, G50N, G50P, G50Q, G50R, G50S, G50T, G50W, G50Y, L51A, L51C, L51D, L51S, L51V, A52H, A52I, A52L, A52M, A52P, A52R, A52V, A52W, A52Y, R53A, R53C, R53D, R53E, R53F, R53G, R53I, R53K, R53L, R53N, R53S, R53T, R53V, R53W, R53Y, L54W, L54Y, A56R, A56W, A56Y, L57F, L58F, L58I, L58Y, V66I, V68L, E69A, E69C, E69D, E69F, E69G, E69H, E69K, E69L, E69M, E69N, E69Q, E69S, E69V, E69Y, L70A, L70C, L70E, L70F, L70H, L70Q, L70S, L70T, L70V, L70W, G72A, G72C, G72P, G72S, N73A, N73C, N73G, N73H, N73I, N73L, N73P, N73R, N73S, N73T, N73V, N73W, D74E, D74G, G75A, G75C, G75D, G75E, G75F, G75I, G75K, G75L, G75M, G75N, G75P, G75T, G75W, G75Y, L76A, L76C, L76D, L76E, L76F, L76G, L76I, L76K, L76M, L76N, L76P, L76Q, L76R, L76T, L76V, L76W, R77A, R77C, R77D, R77E, R77F, R77G, R77H, R77K, R77L, R77N, R77Q, R77S, R77V, R77W, G78P, F79M, F79P, F79V, Q80A, Q80G, Q80L, Q80M, Q80S, Q80W, Q80Y, P81A, P81E, P81K, P81L, P81M, P81W, P81Y, Q82F, Q82I, Q82N, Q82P, Q82V, Q82W, Q82Y, Q83A, T84S, E85D, Q86A, Q86T, Q86V, Q86W, T87A, T87C, T87E, T87F, T87G, T87H, T87L, T87M, T87S, T87V, T87W, R89H, R89T, R89V, R89W, I91L, I91V, I91Y, L92V, Q93A, Q93G, Q93H, Q93I, Q93P, Q93Y, V95L, V95M, V95T, V95W, K96A, K96L, K96P, K96Y, A97W, A98K, A98L, A98W, N99G, N99L, N99P, N99Q, N99R, N99Y, A100G, A100H, A100I, A100K, A100L, A100M, A100R, A100T, A100V, A100Y, E101G, E101L, E101M, E101S, E101T, E101V, P102S, M105A, M105C, M105E, M105G, M105I, M105L, M105V, Q106A, Q106C, Q106D, Q106G, Q106H, Q106K, Q106L, Q106M, Q106R, Q106S, Q106T, Q106V, Q106W, Q106Y, I107C, I107E, I107G, I107L, I107M, I107Q, I107V, R108A, R108C, R108D, R108F, R1081, R108L, R108S, R108V, R108W, R108Y, L109C, L109M, L109Q, L109T, L109V, L109Y, P110A, P110E, P110H, P110N, P110R, P110V, A111C, A111L, A111Q, A111R, A111V, A111W, N112A, N112F, N112G, N112I, N112L, N112P, N112V, N112W, N112Y, Y113A, Y113D, Y113G, Y113I, Y113M, Y113W, G114F, G114K, G114L, G114M, G114W, G114Y, R115A, R115C, R115E, R115G, R1151, R115N, R115P, R115Q, R115S, R115V, R115W, R115Y, R116C, R116H, R116T, R116V, R116W, Y117C, Y117H, Y1171, Y117L, Y117M, Y117N, Y117S, Y117W, N118A, N118C, N118E, N118G, N118H, N118I, N118L, N118M, N118P, N118Q, N118T, N118V, N118W, E119C, E119D, E119F, E119K, E119M, E119P, E119R, E119T, E119W, E119Y, A120D, A120G, A1201, A120L, A120T, A120W, F121A, F121C, F121D, F121E, F121K, F121L, F121M, F121P, F121Q, F121R, F121S, F121V, F121Y, S122A, S122C, S122D, S122E, S122F, S122G, S1221, S122L, S122M, S122P, S122V, S122W, S122Y, A123C, A123E, A123F, A123H, A123L, A123T, A123V, A123W, A123Y, I124A, I124C, I124G, I124L, I124Y, Y125C, Y125F, Y125G, Y125I, Y125L, Y125P, Y125Q, Y125R, Y125S, Y125T, Y125V, P126C, P126H, P126Y, E1311, E131L, D133K, D133Y, V134S, L136C, L136M, L136Q, L136S, L137P, P138E, P138R, P138T, F139M, F140M, M141A, M141C, M141L, M141P, E142A, E142C, E142L, E142M, E142N, E142P, E142Q, E142S, E142Y, E1431, E143P, K147R, P148W, M1511, M151Q, M151V, Q152A, Q152K, Q152S, D1531, D153K, D153M, D153W, G155F, G155H, G155W, G155Y, I156C, I156F, I156M, I156Q, I156R, I156S, I156V, P158A, P158G, P158S, N159G, N159T, R160A, R160G, R160H, R160N, R160W, D161G, D1611, D161K, D161L, D161M, D161N, D161Q, D161R, D161S, D161V, D161W, A162G, Q163G, Q163L, Q163M, Q163S, P164A, P164C, P164K, P164L, P164M, P164N, P164R, P164T, P164W, F165G, F165H, F165S, F165W, F165Y, I166L, I166V, A167T, D168A, D168G, D168H, D168P, D168R, D168T, W169A, W169E, W169K, W169M, W169Q, W169R, W169S, W169T, W169V, M170A, M170F, M170V, A1711, Q173N, Q173W, Q173Y, L174Q, L174W, Q1751, Q175Y, P176H, P176K, P176L, P176R, P176W, P176Y, V178A, V178T, V178W, N179H, N179R, N179T, N179V, N179Y, H180G, H180R, H180S, H180W, D181A, D181H, D181I, D181L, D181Q, D181R, D181S, D181W, S182A, S182E, S182G, S1821, S182K, S182L, S182P, S182Q, S182R, and/or S182T, wherein the numbers in the substitution mutation designations refer to amino acid positions of SEQ ID NO:31. The increased substrate specificity for, and/or activity with respect to C₁₄ substrates can be measured in vitro and/or in vivo.

In one embodiment of the invention, a mutant thioesterase (or a naturally-occurring equivalent thereof) is provided, which has a preference for ester substrates (e.g., acyl-PNP) over thioester substrates (e.g., acyl-CoA), and which is a variant of a precursor thioesterase that comprises an analogous sequence to SEQ ID NO:31 in FIG. 58, wherein the precursor thioesterase is mutated at one or more amino acid positions corresponding to residues selected from 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, and/or 110 of SEQ ID NO:31. The preference for ester substrates over thioester substrates can be measured in vitro and/or in vivo.

In one embodiment of the invention, a mutant thioesterase (or a naturally-occurring equivalent thereof) is provided, which has a preference for ester substrates (e.g., acyl-PNP) over thioester substrates (e.g., acyl-CoA), and which is a variant of a precursor thioesterase that comprises an analogous sequence to SEQ ID NO:31 in FIG. 58, wherein the precursor thioesterase is mutated with one or more substitutions selected from V95L, V95M, V95T, K96A, K96L, K96W, K96Y, A97F, A97K, A97S, A97T, A97W, A98E, A98F, A98K, A98L, A98Q, A98W, N99Y, A100K, A100V, E101L, P102S, L104C, M105F, Q106A, Q106C, Q106T, Q106Y, I107A, I107C, I107G, I107L, I107M, I107Q, I107V, R108A, R108C, R108D, R108F, R1081, R108L, R108S, R108V, R108W, R108Y, L109M, L109V, P110A, P110F, P110H, P110N, P110V, and/or P110W, wherein the numbers in the substitution mutation designations refer to amino acid positions of SEQ ID NO:31. The preference for ester substrates over thioester substrates can be measured in vitro and/or in vivo.

In one embodiment of the invention, a mutant thioesterase (or a naturally-occurring equivalent thereof) is provided, which has a preference for thioester substrates (e.g., acyl-CoA) over ester substrates (e.g., acyl-PNP), and which is a variant of a precursor thioesterase that comprises an analogous sequence to SEQ ID NO:31 in FIG. 58, wherein the precursor thioesterase is mutated at one or more amino acid positions corresponding to residues selected from 95, 96, 97, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 107, 109, and/or 110 of SEQ ID NO:31. The preference for thioester substrates over ester substrates can be measured in vitro and/or in vivo.

In one embodiment of the invention, a mutant thioesterase (or a naturally-occurring equivalent thereof) is provided, which has a preference for thioester substrates (e.g., acyl-CoA) over ester substrates (e.g., acyl-PNP), and which is a variant of a precursor thioesterase that comprises an analogous sequence to SEQ ID NO:31 in FIG. 58, wherein the precursor thioesterase is mutated with one or more substitutions selected from V95E, V95I, V95W, V95Y, K96P, A97E, A97M, E101P, P102D, P102K, P102Y, L103E, L103K, L103N, L104A, L104D, L104E, L104N, L104Q, L104W, L104Y, M105W, I107E, I107K, I107P, L109A, L109C, L109D, L109E, L109G, L109K, L109N, L109P, L109Q, L109S, L109T, L109Y, and/or P110R, wherein the numbers in the substitution mutation designations refer to amino acid positions of SEQ ID NO:31. The preference for thioester substrates over ester substrates can be measured in vitro and/or in vivo.

In one embodiment of the invention, a mutant thioesterase (or a naturally-occurring equivalent thereof) is provided, which is capable of producing an increased proportional or percentage yield of fatty esters over other non-fatty ester products (e.g., free fatty acids and/or fatty acid derivatives other than fatty esters), and which is a variant of a precursor thioesterase that comprises an analogous sequence to SEQ ID NO:31 in FIG. 58, wherein the precursor thioesterase is mutated at one or more amino acid positions corresponding to residues of SEQ ID NO:31 selected from 1-14, 22-29, 33-58, 65-100, 103-109, 114-117, 119-121, 127-136, 139-144, 150-151, 155-170, and/or 173-174. The increased proportional or percentage yield of fatty esters over other products (e.g., fatty acid derivatives other than fatty esters) can be observed or determined in vitro and/or in vivo. Preferably, the increased proportional or percentage yield of fatty esters over other products is determined in vivo.

In one embodiment of the invention, a mutant thioesterase (or a naturally-occurring equivalent thereof) is provided, which is capable of producing an increased proportional or percentage yield of fatty esters over other products (e.g., free fatty acids and/or fatty acid derivatives other than fatty esters), and which is a variant of a precursor thioesterase that comprises an analogous sequence to SEQ ID NO:31 in FIG. 58, wherein the precursor thioesterase is mutated at one or more amino acid positions corresponding to residues of SEQ ID NO:31 selected from 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 28, 29, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 44, 45, 46, 47, 49, 50, 53, 58, 65, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 79, 81, 84, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 95, 96, 99, 100, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 114, 115, 117, 119, 120, 121, 127, 128, 129, 131, 132, 134, 135, 136, 139, 141, 142, 143, 144, 150, 151, 155, 156, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 169, 170, 173, and/or 174. The increased proportional or percentage yield of fatty esters over other products (e.g., fatty acid derivatives other than fatty esters) can be observed or determined in vitro and/or in vivo. Preferably, the increased proportional or percentage yield of fatty esters over other products (e.g., fatty acid derivatives other than fatty esters) is determined in vivo.

In one embodiment of the invention, a mutant thioesterase (or a naturally-occurring equivalent thereof) is provided, which is capable of producing an increased proportional or percentage yield of fatty esters over other products (e.g., free fatty acids and/or fatty acid derivatives other than fatty esters), and which is a variant of a precursor thioesterase that comprises an analogous sequence to SEQ ID NO:31 in FIG. 58, wherein the precursor thioesterase is mutated with one or more substitutions selected from A1R, D2H, D2R, L4G, L4M, L5Q, I6A, I6L, L7E, G8A, S12N, A131, A13L, A13S, A13T, A13W, A13Y, G14K, G14R, G14S, G14T, A22D, A22E, A22H, A22Y, W23Y, P24C, P24G, P24T, A25P, L26C, L26D, L26E, L26G, L26N, N28A, N28M, D29V, S33G, S33M, K34A, K34H, K34M, T35G, T35M, S36A, V37A, V37G, V37H, V37S, V38D, V38G, V38P, N39E, N39Q, N39R, A40M, A40P, S41T, G44F, G44Y, D45P, D45Q, T46W, S47F, Q49I, G50A, G50K, G50M, G50S, R53S, L58D, L58M, L58R, W65L, L67G, V68G, V68M, V68N, E69P, E69Q, L70A, L70E, L70H, G71C, G72A, N73C, N73G, N73L, N73R, N73T, N73V, D74C, D74S, D74W, G75A, G75K, G75L, G75M, L76A, L76F, L76G, L76I, L76M, L76N, L76T, L76W, R77G, F79A, F79M, F79P, P81E, P81W, T84F, T84H, T84Y, Q86P, Q86W, T87M, T87S, T87W, L88C, L88F, L88G, L88H, L88Y, R89G, Q90P, Q90W, I91M, I91S, L92C, L92G, Q93F, Q93P, V95A, V95D, V95E, V95L, V95M, K96P, N99L, N99M, N99S, A100D, A100K, A100L, A100M, A100V, A100Y, L103A, L104A, L104C, L104P, L104Q, L104W, M105A, Q106A, Q106C, Q106T, Q106W, 1107C, I107M, R108E, L109F, L109M, G114F, R115W, Y117P, E119D, E119P, A120P, F121A, F121C, F121W, K127P, L128F, A129L, A129Y, E131A, F132P, V134P, P135A, L136A, F139M, M141A, M141P, E142A, E143P, V144A, W150D, W150E, M151S, G155V, I156K, I156M, P158A, P158G, P158Q, P158S, N159E, N1591, R160H, R1601, R160K, D161G, A162T, A162Y, Q163A, Q163C, Q163E, Q163G, Q1631, Q163M, Q163S, Q163T, Q163V, P164C, F165D, F165S, I166A, I166L, W169M, M170E, M170G, M170N, M170S, Q173P, and/or L174A, wherein the numbers in the substitution mutation designations refer to amino acid positions of SEQ ID NO:31. The increased proportional or percentage yield of fatty esters over other products (e.g., fatty acid derivatives other than fatty esters) can be observed or determined in vitro and/or in vivo. Preferably, the increased proportional or percentage yield of fatty esters over other products (e.g., fatty acid derivatives other than fatty esters) is determined in vivo.

In one embodiment of the invention, a mutant thioesterase (or a naturally-occurring equivalent thereof) is provided, which is capable of producing a decreased proportional or percentage yield of fatty esters over other products (e.g., free fatty acids and/or fatty acid derivatives other than fatty esters) when fatty ester production is undesirable, and which is a variant of a precursor thioesterase that comprises an analogous sequence to SEQ ID NO:31 in FIG. 58, wherein the precursor thioesterase is mutated at one or more amino acid positions corresponding to residues of SEQ ID NO:31 selected from 3, 5, 15-18, 27-42, 46, 57-68, 77-78, 95-106, 121-123, 152-154, 167, and/or 175-182. The decreased proportional or percentage yield of fatty esters over other products (e.g., fatty acid derivatives other than fatty esters) can be observed or determined in vitro and/or in vivo. Preferably, the decreased proportional or percentage yield of fatty esters over other products (e.g., fatty acid derivatives other than fatty esters) is determined in vivo.

In one embodiment of the invention, a mutant thioesterase (or a naturally-occurring equivalent thereof) is provided, which is capable of producing a decreased proportional or percentage yield of fatty esters over other products (e.g., free fatty acids and/or fatty acid derivatives other than fatty esters) when fatty ester production is undesirable, and which is a variant of a precursor thioesterase that comprises an analogous sequence to SEQ ID NO:31 in FIG. 58, wherein the precursor thioesterase is mutated at one or more amino acid positions corresponding to residues of SEQ ID NO:31 selected from 3, 5, 15, 16, 18, 27, 28, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 40, 42, 46, 57, 59, 60, 62, 65, 68, 77, 78, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 102, 103, 105, 106, 121, 123, 152, 153, 154, 167, 175, 176, 178, 179, 180, 181, and/or 182. The decreased proportional or percentage yield of fatty esters over other products (e.g., fatty acid derivatives other than fatty esters) can be observed or determined in vitro and/or in vivo. Preferably, the decreased proportional or percentage yield of fatty esters over other products (e.g., fatty acid derivatives other than fatty esters) is determined in vivo.

In one embodiment of the invention, a mutant thioesterase (or a naturally-occurring equivalent thereof) is provided, which is capable of producing a decreased proportional or percentage yield of fatty esters over other products (e.g., free fatty acids and/or fatty acid derivatives other than fatty esters) when production of fatty esters is undesirable, and which is a variant of a precursor thioesterase that comprises an analogous sequence to SEQ ID NO:31 in FIG. 58, wherein the precursor thioesterase is mutated with one or more substitutions selected from T3E, T3G, T3K, T3L, L5C, L5G, Y15A, Y15L, Y15Q, Y15R, Y15V, R16D, R16E, R16G, R161, R16V, S18E, L27V, N28G, N281, 5331, S33R, K34R, T35F, T35K, T35L, T35Q, T35V, S36F, 5361, S36L, S36W, V37L, V38E, V38F, V38K, V38L, A40D, A40G, I42T, T46L, L57A, L57F, L57G, L57H, L57K, L57N, L57P, L57R, L57S, L57T, L57V, L57W, L57Y, K59V, Q60E, Q60P, Q62G, W65V, V68L, R77L, G78M, V95F, V95N, K96C, K96L, K96N, K96Q, K96R, K96Y, A97E, A97F, A97R, A97W, A98E, N99A, N99D, A100S, P1021, L103Q, L103W, M105L, Q106G, Q106H, Q106K, Q106S, Q106V, F121P, A123E, Q152D, Q152E, Q152F, Q152H, Q1521, Q152K, Q152L, Q152S, Q152T, Q152Y, D153P, D153V, D154E, A167V, Q175L, P176D, V178K, N179H, N179W, H180E, H180L, H180P, H180R, D181C, D181E, S182K, S182L, S182N, S182R, S182T, and/or S182V, wherein the numbers in the substitution mutation designations refer to amino acid positions of SEQ ID NO:31. The decreased proportional or percentage yield of fatty esters over other products (e.g., fatty acid derivatives other than fatty esters) can be observed or determined in vitro and/or in vivo. Preferably, the decreased proportional or percentage yield of fatty esters over other products (e.g., fatty acid derivatives other than fatty esters) is determined in vivo.

In one embodiment of the invention, a mutant thioesterase (or a naturally-occurring equivalent thereof) is provided, which is capable of increased and/or improved production of one or more fatty acid derivatives, and which is a variant of a precursor thioesterase that comprises an analogous sequence to SEQ ID NO:31 in FIG. 58, wherein the precursor thioesterase is mutated at one or more amino acid positions corresponding to residues of SEQ ID NO:31 selected from 2, 4, 11-22, 25-31, 37-45, 49-58, 63-80, 84-130, 136-146, and/or 150-174. An exemplary fatty acid derivative that is produced accordingly is a free fatty acid. The increased and/or improved production of fatty acid derivatives can be measured in vitro and/or in vivo. Preferably, the increased and/or improved production of fatty acid derivatives is measured in vivo.

In one embodiment of the invention, a mutant thioesterase (or a naturally-occurring equivalent thereof) is provided, which is capable of increased and/or improved production of one or more fatty acid derivatives, and which is a variant of a precursor thioesterase that comprises an analogous sequence of SEQ ID NO:31 in FIG. 58, wherein the precursor thioesterase is mutated at one or more amino acid positions corresponding to residues of SEQ ID NO:31 selected from 2, 4, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 21, 22, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 37, 39, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 49, 50, 51, 53, 54, 58, 63, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 84, 87, 88, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 100, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 115, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 124, 127, 128, 129, 130, 136, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 143, 144, 145, 146, 150, 151, 152, 154, 155, 156, 158, 162, 163, 166, 167, 169, 170, 173, and/or 174. An exemplary fatty acid derivative that is produced accordingly is a free fatty acid. The increased and/or improved production of a fatty acid derivative can be measured in vitro and/or in vivo. Preferably, the increased and/or improved production of a fatty acid derivative is measured in vivo.

In one embodiment of the invention, a mutant thioesterase (or a naturally-occurring equivalent thereof) is provided, which is capable of increased and/or improved production of one or more fatty acid derivatives, and which is a variant of a precursor thioesterase that comprises an analogous sequence to SEQ ID NO:31 in FIG. 58, wherein the precursor thioesterase is mutated with one or more substitutions selected from: D2L, D2P, D2R, L5G, L11I, S12N, S12T, A13N, G14C, G14P, G14S, G14T, G14V, Y15C, Y15I, Y15V, R16T, M17D, M17E, M17N, M17R, M17S, M17V, A19C, A21G, A22L, A22R, A22T, A25P, L26D, L26G, L26W, L27C, L27F, L27W, L27Y, N28I, N28P, D29P, K30P, W31D, W31G, W31N, W31P, W31R, W31S, W31T, V37Y, N39P, S41C, I42D, I42G, S43E, G44K, G44R, G44W, D45G, Q49E, G50A, G50K, G50M, G50Q, L51D, L51T, R53A, R53G, R53L, R53N, R53S, R53V, L54E, L54F, L54G, L54N, L54S, L54W, L58R, P63G, P63M, P63N, P63T, P63W, W65E, W65G, V66G, V66S, L67T, V68S, E69F, E69V, L70C, L70F, L70Q, L70S, L70T, L70V, G71A, N73G, N73L, D74A, D74C, G75A, G75C, G75F, G75R, G75W, L76I, R77A, R77C, R77D, R77F, R77G, R77H, R77K, R77L, R77N, R77Q, R77S, R77W, G78D, G78E, F79K, Q80G, T84H, T84N, T84Q, T87A, T87F, T87H, T87W, L88A, L88C, L88H, Q90N, Q90W, I91G, I91L, I91M, I91S, L92G, L92N, L92Q, L92S, L92T, L92Y, Q93P, D94P, V95F, V95N, V95Q, K96P, A97C, A97P, A98P, A98V, A100D, A100E, A100Q, A100Y, P102L, P102Q, P102R, L103E, L103K, L104A, L104Q, L104W, L104Y, M105C, M105E, M105F, M105L, Q106D, Q106G, Q106L, Q106V, Q106W, Q106Y, I107A, I107C, I107E, I107G, I107K, I107L, I107Q, 1107S, 11071, R108G, L109F, L109V, L109Y, P110A, P110E, P110F, P110G, P110H, P110N, P110S, P110V, A111Y, N112F, N112P, Y113D, Y113E, Y113P, R115W, Y117A, Y117D, Y117E, Y117G, Y117P, Y117Q, N118F, E119P, A120P, F121C, F121L, F121M, F121N, F121Q, F121R, F121V, F121W, F121Y, S122D, S122F, S122L, S122P, S122W, S122Y, I124A, I124G, I124H, I124K, I124R, K127P, L128S, A1291, A129W, A129Y, K130P, L136A, L136D, L136E, L136G, L136K, L136N, L136P, L136Q, L136S, L136T, L137A, L137C, L137H, L137K, L137Q, L137S, L137Y, P138F, F139L, F139M, F140C, F1401, F140L, F140M, F140V, M141T, E143P, V144H, Y1451, L146G, L146P, W150G, W1501, W150V, M151F, M151L, M151R, M151S, M151T, M151W, Q152N, Q152V, Q152Y, D154C, D154E, G1551, I156C, I156K, 11561, I156V, P158G, P158T, A162T, Q163A, Q163C, Q163E, Q1631, Q163S, Q163T, Q163V, I166C, A167E, A167F, A167L, A167N, A167R, A167V, A167Y, W169K, M170N, M1705, Q173D, L174A, L174T, and/or L174W, wherein the numbers in the substitution mutation designations refer to amino acid positions of SEQ ID NO:31. An exemplary fatty acid derivative produced accordingly is a free fatty acid. The increased and/or improved production of a fatty acid derivative can be measured in vitro and/or in vivo. Preferably, the increased and/or improved production of a fatty acid derivative is measured in vivo.

In one embodiment, a mutant thioesterase (or a naturally-occurring equivalent thereof) is provided, which is capable of producing an increased proportional or percentage yield of short-chain (e.g., C₈, C₉, C₁₀, C₁₁, C₁₂, C₁₃, C₁₄) fatty acid derivatives (e.g., short-chain fatty acids, short-chain fatty esters, short-chain fatty alcohols, etc.) vs. other products (e.g., non-short-chain fatty acid derivatives, including, for example, long-chain (e.g., C₁₅, C₁₆, C₁₇, C₁₈, C₁₉, C₂₀) fatty acids, long-chain fatty esters, long-chain fatty alcohols, etc.), and which is a variant of a precursor thioesterase that comprises an analogous sequence to SEQ ID NO:31 in FIG. 58, wherein the precursor thioesterase is mutated at one or more amino acid positions corresponding to one or more residues of SEQ ID NO:31 selected from 13, 16-17, 25-38, 55-67, 78-98, 105-119, 122, 126, 132-145, 153, and/or 161-182. An exemplary short-chain fatty acid derivative is a C₁₂ fatty acid derivative. An alternative short-chain fatty acid derivative is a C₁₄ fatty acid derivative. In certain circumstances, the increased proportional or percentage yield of short-chain fatty acid derivative can be correlated to a decreased proportional yield of long-chain fatty acid derivatives. The increased proportional or percentage yield of short-chain fatty acid derivatives and/or the corresponding decreased proportional or percentage yield of long-chain fatty acid derivatives can be measured in vitro or in vivo. Preferably, the increased proportional yield of short-chain fatty acid derivatives or the corresponding decreased proportional or percentage yield of long-chain fatty acid derivatives is measured in vivo.

In one embodiment, a mutant thioesterase (or a naturally-occurring equivalent thereof) is provided, which is capable of producing an increased proportional or percentage yield of short-chain (e.g., C₈, C₉, C₁₀, C₁₁, C₁₂, C₁₃, C₁₄) fatty acid derivatives (e.g., short-chain fatty acids, short-chain fatty esters, short-chain fatty alcohols, etc.) vs. other products (e.g., non-short-chain fatty acid derivatives, including, for example, long-chain fatty acids, long-chain fatty esters, long-chain fatty alcohols, etc.), and which is a variant of a precursor thioesterase that comprises an analogous sequence to SEQ ID NO:31 in FIG. 58, wherein the precursor thioesterase is mutated at one or more amino acid positions corresponding to one or more residues of SEQ ID NO:31 selected from 13, 16, 17, 25, 29, 31, 35, 36, 38, 55, 57, 58, 59, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 78, 79, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 89, 90, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 105, 106, 108, 111, 113, 114, 117, 119, 122, 126, 132, 135, 136, 139, 142, 144, 145, 153, 161, 162, 165, 168, 173, 175, 176, 178, 179, 180, 181, and/or 182. An exemplary short-chain fatty acid derivative is a C₁₂ fatty acid derivative. An alternative short-chain fatty acid derivative is a C₁₄ fatty acid derivative. In certain circumstances, the increased proportional or percentage yield of short-chain fatty acid derivatives can be correlated to a decreased proportional yield of long-chain fatty acid derivatives. The increased proportional or percentage yield of short-chain fatty acid derivatives and/or the corresponding decreased proportional or percentage yield of long-chain fatty acid derivatives can be measured in vitro or in vivo. Preferably, the increased proportional yield of short-chain fatty acid derivatives or the corresponding decreased proportional yield of long-chain fatty acid derivatives is measured in vivo.

In one embodiment, a mutant thioesterase (or a naturally-occurring equivalent thereof) is provided, which is capable of producing an increased proportional or percentage yield of short-chain (e.g., C₈, C₉, C₁₀, C₁₁, C₁₂, C₁₃, C₁₄) fatty acid derivatives (e.g., short-chain fatty acids, short-chain fatty esters, short-chain fatty alcohols, etc.) vs. other products (e.g., non-short-chain fatty acid derivatives including, for example, long-chain fatty acids, long-chain fatty esters, long-chain fatty alcohols, etc.), and which is a variant of a precursor thioesterase that comprises an analogous sequence to SEQ ID NO:31 in FIG. 58, wherein the precursor thioesterase is mutated with one or more substitution selected from: A13V, R16A, M17T, A25S, D29M, W31L, T35Y, S36W, V38S, P55A, P55G, L57I, L58M, L58V, K59E, H61W, Q62M, P63V, R64M, W65L, V66C, L67C, L67M, G78F, G78M, G78R, G78T, G78V, F79K, F79Y, Q82A, Q82M, Q82R, Q83G, Q83K, T84M, T84V, E85A, E85C, E85G, E85Q, E85S, E85T, E85V, E85W, E85Y, Q86H, Q86Y, T87R, R89V, Q90L, Q93M, Q93N, Q93V, D94C, D94L, V95G, K96C, A97N, A97V, A98G, A98Y, M105I, Q106K, Q106R, R108W, A111E, A111N, A111S, A111W, A111Y, Y113A, Y113S, Y113V, G114K, G114Y, Y117R, E119M, E119Q, E119R, S122F, 51221, S122M, S122R, P126K, F132C, F132D, F132K, F132L, F132N, F132V, P135A, P135E, P135K, P135Q, L136H, F139L, E142W, V144Y, Y145A, Y145C, Y145D, Y145E, Y145G, Y145I, Y145L, Y145M, Y145N, Y145R, Y145S, Y145T, D153K, D153Q, D161K, A1621, F165K, D168W, Q1731, Q175M, P176Q, P176R, P176V, V178F, V178G, V178L, V178R, V178S, V178T, N179H, H180E, H180P, H180R, H180S, H180V, H180W, D181R, D181T, S182C, S182D, S182G, and/or S182R, wherein the numbers in the substitution mutation designations refer to amino acid positions of SEQ ID NO:31. An exemplary short-chain fatty acid derivative is a C₁₂ fatty acid derivative. An alternative short-chain fatty acid derivative is a C₁₄ fatty acid derivative. In certain circumstances, the increased proportional or percentage yield of short-chain fatty acid derivatives can be correlated to a decreased proportional yield of long-chain fatty acid derivatives. The increased proportional or percentage yield of short-chain fatty acid derivatives and/or the corresponding decreased proportional yield of long-chain fatty acid derivatives can be measured in vitro or in vivo. Preferably, the increased proportional yield of short-chain fatty acid derivatives or the corresponding decreased proportional yield of long-chain fatty acid derivatives is measured in vivo.

In one embodiment, a mutant thioesterase (or a naturally-occurring equivalent thereof) is provided, which is capable of producing a decreased proportional or percentage yield of short-chain (e.g., C₈, C₉, C₁₀, C₁₁, C₁₂, C₁₃, C₁₄) fatty acid derivatives (e.g., short-chain fatty acids, short-chain fatty esters, short-chain fatty alcohols, etc.) vs. other products (e.g., non-short-chain fatty acid derivatives including, for example, long-chain (e.g., C₁₅, C₁₆, C₁₇, C₁₈, C₁₉, C₂₀) fatty acids, long-chain fatty esters, long-chain fatty alcohols, etc.), and which is a variant of a precursor thioesterase that comprises an analogous sequence to SEQ ID NO:31 in FIG. 58, wherein the precursor thioesterase is mutated at one or more amino acid positions corresponding to one or more residues of SEQ ID NO:31 selected from 1-31, 36-81, 84-159, 162-177, and/or 181. An exemplary short-chain fatty acid derivative is a C₁₂ fatty acid derivative. An alternative short-chain fatty acid derivative is a C₁₄ fatty acid derivative. In certain circumstances, the decreased proportional or percentage yield of short-chain fatty acid derivatives can be correlated to an increased proportional yield of long-chain fatty acid derivatives. The decreased proportional or percentage yield of short-chain fatty acid derivatives and/or the corresponding increased proportional yield of long-chain fatty acid derivatives can be measured in vitro or in vivo. Preferably, the decreased proportional yield of short-chain fatty acid derivatives or the corresponding increased proportional yield of short-chain fatty acid derivatives is measured in vivo.

In one embodiment, a mutant thioesterase (or a naturally-occurring equivalent thereof) is provided, which is capable of producing a decreased proportional or percentage yield of short-chain (e.g., C₈, C₉, C₁₀, C₁₁, C₁₂, C₁₃, C₁₄) fatty acid derivatives (e.g., short-chain fatty acids, short-chain fatty esters, short-chain fatty alcohols, etc.) vs. other products (e.g., non-short-chain fatty acid derivatives including, for example, long-chain fatty acids, long-chain fatty esters, long-chain fatty alcohols, etc.), and which is a variant of a precursor thioesterase that comprises an analogous sequence to SEQ ID NO:31 in FIG. 58, wherein the precursor thioesterase is mutated at one or more amino acid positions corresponding to one or more residues of SEQ ID NO:31 selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 30, 31, 36, 37, 38, 42, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 57, 61, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 81, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 99, 100, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 124, 125, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 136, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 150, 151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 156, 157, 158, 159, 162, 163, 165, 166, 167, 168, 170, 171, 173, 174, 175, 176, 177, and/or 181. An exemplary short-chain fatty acid derivative is a C₁₂ fatty acid derivative. An alternative short-chain fatty acid derivative is a C₁₄ fatty acid derivative. In certain circumstances, the decreased proportional or percentage yield of short-chain fatty acid derivatives can be correlated to an increased proportional yield of long-chain fatty acid derivatives. The decreased proportional or percentage yield of short-chain fatty acid derivatives and/or the corresponding increased proportional yield of long-chain fatty acid derivatives can be measured in vitro or in vivo. Preferably, the decreased proportional yield of short-chain fatty acid derivatives or the corresponding increased proportional yield of short-chain fatty acid derivatives is measured in vivo.

In one embodiment, a mutant thioesterase (or a naturally-occurring equivalent thereof) is provided, which is capable of producing a decreased proportional or percentage yield of short-chain (e.g., C₈, C₉, C₁₀, C₁₁, C₁₂, C₁₃, C₁₄) fatty acid derivatives (e.g., short-chain fatty acids, short-chain fatty esters, short-chain fatty alcohols, etc.) vs. other products (e.g., non-short-chain fatty acid derivatives including, for example, long-chain fatty acids, long-chain fatty esters, long-chain fatty alcohols, etc.), and which is a variant of a precursor thioesterase that comprises an analogous sequence to SEQ ID NO:31 in FIG. 58, wherein the precursor thioesterase is mutated with one or more substitution selected from: A1C, A1F, A1L, A1Y, D2L, D2M, D2P, D2W, T3R, L4A, L4M, L4N, L4S, L4V, L4Y, L5E, L5F, L5G, L5K, L5N, L5S, L5W, I6T, L7A, L7E, L7K, L7M, L7W, G8K, D9N, D9T, L11A, L11C, L11I, L11M, L11Q, L11V, 5121, S12L, S12M, 512N, 512T, 512V, 512Y, A13C, G14C, G14E, G141, G14M, G14N, G14P, G14S, G14T, G14V, Y15C, Y15E, Y15G, Y15I, Y15N, Y15V, R16T, M17D, M17E, M17G, M17L, M17N, M17P, M17R, M175, M17V, S18M, S18N, S18T, A19E, A19L, A19V, A21P, A22D, A22E, A22F, A22H, A221, A22K, A22L, A22P, A22R, A22S, A22T, A22Y, W23A, W23H, W23N, W23P, P24A, P24C, P24D, P24E, P24F, P24G, P241, P24M, P24N, P24S, P24T, P24V, P24W, L26P, L27A, L27C, L27F, L27H, L27R, L27S, L27T, L27W, L27Y, K30P, W31D, W31P, W31R, S36F, S36L, V37G, V37H, V37N, V37Q, V37W, V37Y, V38P, N39E, N39G, N39K, N39M, N39P, N39Q, N39Y, I42D, I42G, I42P, G44A, G44E, G44K, G44M, G44N, G44R, G44S, G44W, G44Y, D45G, D45M, T46D, S47E, S47P, S47Q, S47R, S47Y, Q48Y, G50C, G50E, G50F, G50I, G50K, G50L, G50M, G50N, G50P, G50Q, G50R, G50S, G50T, G50W, G50Y, L51D, L51P, L51T, A52P, R53A, R53C, R53D, R53E, R53F, R53G, R531, R53K, R53L, R53N, R535, R53T, R53V, R53W, R53Y, L54C, L54E, L54G, L54N, L54Y, P55Y, L57P, H61A, H61D, H61E, P63D, P63E, P63G, P63K, P63M, P63N, P63Q, P63R, R64L, W65G, W65P, W65R, V66N, V66Q, V66S, V66W, V66Y, L67E, L67G, L67Q, L67R, L67S, L67W, V68E, V68G, V68N, V68P, V68Q, E69A, E69C, E69D, E69F, E69G, E69H, E69K, E69L, E69M, E69N, E69P, E69Q, E69S, E69V, E69W, E69Y, L70A, L70C, L70E, L70F, L70G, L70H, L70K, L70Q, L70S, L70T, L70W, G71C, G71S, G72A, G72M, G72P, N73A, N73G, N73H, N73I, N73L, N73P, N73R, N73S, N73T, N73W, D74A, D74C, D74F, D74G, D74Q, D74S, D74W, D74Y, G75A, G75C, G75D, G75E, G75F, G751, G75K, G75L, G75M, G75N, G75P, G75R, G75T, G75V, G75W, G75Y, L76A, L76C, L76D, L76E, L76F, L76G, L76I, L76K, L76M, L76N, L76P, L76Q, L76R, L76T, L76V, L76W, R77A, R77C, R77D, R77E, R77F, R77G, R77H, R77N, R77S, R77V, R77W, G78A, G78C, G78D, G78E, G78N, G78P, G78Q, G78Y, F79P, F79Q, F79S, F79V, P81E, P81W, T84D, T84E, T84G, T84H, T84K, T84L, T84N, T84Q, T84R, T84W, T84Y, E85F, E85P, Q86A, T87F, L88A, L88E, L88G, L88H, L88Q, L88S, L88W, L88Y, R89P, Q90P, Q90W, I91E, I91L, I91M, I91N, I91Q, I91S, I91Y, L92C, L92E, L92G, L92H, L92N, L92Q, L92R, L92S, L92Y, Q93P, D94P, D94V, V95A, V95C, V95D, V95E, V95F, V951, V95P, V95Q, V95W, V95Y, K96P, A97C, A97P, N99D, A100Q, A100Y, P102E, P102G, P102H, P102L, P102R, P102V, P102W, L103C, L103E, L1031, L103K, L103N, L103R, L103S, L103T, L103V, L104A, L104C, L104E, L104G, L1041, L104N, L104P, L104Q, L104S, L104W, L104Y, M105A, M105C, M105E, M105F, M105G, M105K, M105L, M105P, M105T, M105W, Q106D, Q106G, Q106H, Q106L, Q106W, I107A, 1107E, I107F, I107G, I107K, I107L, I107Q, I107S, I107T, I107Y, R108A, R108C, R108D, R108E, R108F, R108G, R108H, R1081, R108L, R108M, R108S, R108V, R108Y, L109C, L109F, L109G, L109K, L109Q, L109R, L109T, L109V, L109Y, P110A, P110C, P110D, P110E, P110F, P110G, P110H, P110K, P110L, P110M, P110N, P110R, P110S, P110V, P110W, A111C, A111L, A111P, A111Q, A111R, A111V, N112I, N112L, N112P, N112Y, Y113D, Y113E, Y113Q, G114A, R115W, Y117D, Y117G, Y117P, N118F, E119C, E119L, A120P, F121A, F121C, F121D, F121E, F121G, F121K, F121L, F121N, F121P, F121Q, F121R, F121S, F121V, F121W, F121Y, S122D, S122E, S122L, S122P, I124D, 1124E, I124G, I124H, 1124K, I124R, 1124W, I124Y, Y125C, Y125G, Y125H, Y125I, Y125L, Y125P, Y125Q, Y125R, Y125S, Y125T, Y125V, K127A, L128E, L128F, L128G, L128K, L128Q, L128R, L128S, L128W, A129D, A129F, A129L, A129W, A129Y, K130P, K130V, E131A, E131C, E131D, E131P, E131V, F132P, D133C, V134C, V134D, V134N, V134P, V134W, L136A, L136D, L136E, L136G, L136N, L136P, L136T, L137D, L137E, L137G, L137H, L137K, L137P, L137Q, L137R, L137S, P138G, P138N, P138V, F139A, F139C, F139D, F139E, F139G, F139H, F139M, F139N, F139S, F139T, F139V, F139W, F140A, F140C, F140G, F1401, F140L, F140M, F140N, F140P, F140S, F140T, F140V, F140W, M141C, M141D, M141E, M141F, M141G, M141K, M141L, M141P, M141Q, M141R, M141T, M141W, M141Y, E142A, E142C, E142G, E1421, E142L, E142M, E142P, E142Q, E142R, E142T, E142V, E143A, E143D, E143F, E143G, E143I, E143M, E143P, E143W, V144A, V144D, V144E, V144G, V144H, V144N, V144P, V144Q, V144R, V144S, Y145Q, Y145W, L146C, L146P, W150P, W150R, M151A, M151C, M151D, M151E, M151F, M151G, M1511, M151L, M151Q, M151R, M151S, M151T, M151V, M151W, Q152P, D153A, D153E, D153F, D154A, D154C, D154E, D154F, D154G, D154H, D1541, D154K, D154L, D154M, D154N, D154P, D154R, D154S, D154T, D154V, D154W, G155A, G155P, G155V, I156A, I156C, I156E, I156F, I156G, I156K, I156M, I156Q, I156R, I156S, I156T, I156Y, H157C, H157E, P158F, P158H, P1581, P158L, P158Q, P158V, P158W, N159P, N159W, A162K, A162L, A162N, A162R, A162Y, Q163A, Q163D, Q163E, Q163F, Q1631, Q163V, Q163W, Q163Y, F165L, I166A, I166F, I166M, I166S, I166Y, A167C, A167D, A167E, A167F, A167L, A167N, A167R, A167V, A167W, A167Y, D168M, D168R, M170E, M170F, M170G, M170N, M170S, M170T, A171S, Q173D, Q173P, L174A, L174G, L174S, L174T, L174W, L174Y, Q175F, P176L, P176Y, L177F, L177M, L177S, D181C, D181E, and/or D181G, wherein the numbers in the substitution mutation designations refer to amino acid positions of SEQ ID NO:31. An exemplary short-chain fatty acid derivative is a C₁₂ fatty acid derivative. An alternative short-chain fatty acid derivative is a C₁₄ fatty acid derivative. In certain circumstances, the decreased proportional or percentage yield of short-chain fatty acid derivatives can be correlated to an increased proportional yield of long-chain fatty acid derivatives. The decreased proportional or percentage yield of short-chain fatty acid derivatives and/or the corresponding increased proportional yield of long-chain fatty acid derivatives can be measured in vitro or in vivo. Preferably, the decreased proportional yield of short-chain fatty acid derivatives or the corresponding increased proportional yield of short-chain fatty acid derivatives is measured in vivo.

In one embodiment of the invention, a polynucleotide (or a gene) encoding a mutant thioesterase (or a naturally-occurring equivalent thereof) of the invention is provided. In another embodiment of the invention, a vector is provided comprising the polynucleotide (or the gene) according to the invention.

In one embodiment of the invention, the precursor thioesterase is encoded by a gene that is selectively hybridizable to the polynucleotide sequence of ‘tesA, or an ortholog, paralog or homolog thereof. FIG. 56 lists GenBank Accession Numbers of protein homologs of ‘TesA having at least 40% amino acid sequence identity to ‘TesA. The precursor thioesterase can be encoded by a polynucleotide that is selectively hybridizable under conditions of intermediate stringency, under high stringency, or under maximum stringency.

In one embodiment of the invention, a polynucleotide encoding a precursor thioesterase is provided wherein the precursor thioesterase comprises the amino acid sequence of ‘TesA, an ortholog thereof, a paralog thereof, or a homolog thereof. For example, the precursor thioesterase comprises the amino acid sequence of a ‘TesA obtained from an E. coli, such as an E. coli K12. In a particular embodiment, a polynucleotide encoding the precursor thioesterase is provided wherein the precursor thioesterase comprises the amino acid sequence, a variant, or a fragment of SEQ ID NO:31 of FIG. 58. In a particular embodiment, the gene encoding the precursor thioesterase comprises the polynucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:32 in FIG. 59, or a fragment thereof.

In one embodiment of the invention, a polynucleotide encoding a precursor thioesterase is provided wherein the precursor thioesterase comprises a protein having at least about 20%, for example, at least about 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identity to the sequence SEQ ID NO:31 of FIG. 58. In one embodiment, a polynucleotide encoding a precursor thioesterase is provided wherein the precursor thioesterase comprises a protein having at least about 20%, for example, at least about 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identity to the sequence of an E. coli K12 ‘TesA. In one embodiment of the invention, a polynucleotide is provided, which comprises a sequence having at least about 20%, for example, at least about 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO:32 in FIG. 59.

In one embodiment of the invention, a vector is provided that comprises a gene (or a polynucleotide) encoding a mutant thioesterase or a naturally-occurring equivalent thereof. Vectors according to the invention can be transformed into suitable host cells to produce recombinant host cells.

In one embodiment of the invention, a probe is provided that comprises a polynucleotide of about 4 to about 150 nucleotides long, which is substantially identical to a corresponding fragment of SEQ ID NO:32 in FIG. 59, wherein the probe is useful for detecting and/or identifying polynucleotide sequences encoding enzymes that have thioesterase activity. A probe according to the invention can be used to detect and isolate potential precursor thioesterases from sources not known to produce such precursor thioesterases or for which the amino acid or nucleic sequence is unknown.

In certain embodiments of the invention, a recombinant host cell is provided comprising a polynucleotide encoding a mutant thioesterase or a naturally-occurring equivalent thereof. In one embodiment, known genomic alteration or modification techniques can be employed to alter or modify the endogenous thioesterases of the host cell, effectuating one or more of the aforementioned mutations, such that at least one of the mutant endogenous thioesterases has at least one altered property. In another embodiment, the recombinant host cell is engineered to include a plasmid comprising a polynucleotide encoding a mutant thioesterase or a naturally-occurring equivalent thereof. In yet another embodiment, the recombinant host cell expresses the thioesterase after the polynucleotide encoding the thioesterase is integrated into the chromosome of the host cell.

In one embodiment of the invention, the recombinant host cell of the invention can be selected from any cell capable of expressing a recombinant gene construct, and can be selected from a microbial, plant or animal cell. In a particular embodiment, the host cell is bacterial, cyanobacterial, fungal, yeast, algal, human or mammalian in origin. In a particular embodiment, the host cell is selected from any of Gram positive bacterial species such as Actinomycetes; Bacillaceae, including Bacillus alkalophilus, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus lentos, Bacillus brevis, Bacillus stearothennophilus, Bacillus alkalophilus, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus coagulans, Bacillus circulans, Bacillus lautus, Bacillus megaterium, B. thuringiensis; Brevibacteria sp., including Brevibacterium flavum, Brevibacterium lactofennentum, Brevibacterium ammoniagenes, Brevibacterium butanicum, Brevibacterium divaricatum, Brevibacterium healii, Brevibacterium ketoglutamicum, Brevibacterium ketosoreductum, Brevibacterium lactofennentum, Brevibacterium linens, Brevibacterium paraffinolyticum; Corynebacterium spp. such as C. glutamicum and C. melassecola, Corynebacterium herculis, Corynebacterium lilium, Corynebactertium acetoacidophilum, Corynebacterium acetoglutamicum, Corynebacterium acetophilum, Corynebacterium ammoniagenes, Corynebacterium fujiokense, Corynebacterium nitrilophilus; or lactic acid bacterial species including Lactococcus spp. such as Lactococcus lactis; Lactobacillus spp. including Lactobacillus reuteri; Leuconostoc spp.; Pediococcus spp.; Serratia spp. such as Serratia marcescens; Streptomyces species, such as Streptomyces lividans, Streptomyces murinus, S. coelicolor and Streptococcus spp. Alternatively, strains of a Gram negative bacterial species belonging to Enterobacteriaceae including E. coli, Cellulomonas spp.; or to Pseudomonadaceae including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas alcaligenes, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Pseudomonas putida, Pseudomonas syringae and Burkholderia cepacia, Salmonella sp., Stenotrophomonas spp., and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. Oleaginous microorganisms such as Rhodococcus spp, Rhodococcus opacus, Ralstonia spp., and Acetinobacter spp. are useful as well. Furthermore, yeasts and filamentous fungal strains can be useful host cells, including Absidia spp.; Acremonium spp.; Agaricus spp.; Anaeromyces spp.; Aspergillus spp., including A. aculeates, A. awamori, A. flavus, A. foetidus, A. fumaricus, A. fumigatus, A. nidulans, A. niger, A. oryzae, A. terreus; A. tubingensis and A. versicolor; Aeurobasidium spp.; Cephalosporum spp.; Chaetomium spp.; Coprinus spp.; Dactyllum spp.; Fusarium spp., including F. conglomerans, F. decemcellulare, F. javanicum, F. lini, F. oxysporum and F. solani; Gliocladium spp.; Kluyveromyces sp.; Hansenula sp.; Humicola spp., including H. insolens and H. lanuginosa; Hypocrea spp.; Mucor spp.; Neurospora spp., including N. crassa and N. sitophila; Neocallimastix spp.; Orpinomyces spp.; Penicillium spp.; Phanerochaete spp.; Phlebia spp.; Pichia sp.; Piromyces spp.; Rhizopus spp.; Rhizomucor species such as Rhizomucor miehei; Schizophyllum spp.; Schizosaccharomyces such as, for example, S. pombe species; chytalidium sp., Sulpholobus sp., Thermoplasma sp., Thermomyces sp.; Trametes spp.; Trichoderma spp., including T. reesei, T. reesei (longibrachiatum) and T. viride; Yarrowinia sp.; and Zygorhynchus spp and in particular include oleaginous yeast just Phafia spp., Rhorosporidium toruloides Y4, Rhodotorula Glutinis and Candida 107.

In one embodiment of the invention, a recombinant host cell is provided, which expresses or overexpresses a gene encoding the mutant thioesterase (or a naturally-occurring equivalent thereof), and which also expresses (or overexpresses) one or more genes encoding one or more enzymes that utilize, as a substrates, reaction products of the mutant thioesterase (e.g., fatty acids, fatty acyl-CoAs, fatty acyl-phosphate esters, fatty aldehydes, fatty esters, or fatty alcohols) or reaction products of one or more other enzymes that are parts of a metabolic pathway, including reaction products of the mutant thioesterase (e.g., fatty acids) as precursors and/or substrates.

In one embodiment of the invention, a recombinant host cell is provided, which expresses or overexpresses a gene encoding a mutant thioesterase (or a naturally-occurring equivalent thereof) and which also expresses (or overexpresses) one or more genes encoding one or more enzymes that react with a substrate that is necessary as a precursor to a reaction in a fatty acid biosynthetic pathway. In a particular embodiment, the recombinant host cell includes a gene that encodes thioesterase and a gene that encodes an enzyme that reacts with a substrate that is necessary as a precursor to a reaction in a fatty acid synthetic pathway, which comprises the overexpression or modification of a gene selected from pdh, panK, aceEF, fabH, fabD, fabG, acpP, and/or fabF.

In one embodiment of the invention, the recombinant host cell comprises a gene (or a polynucleotide) that encodes a mutant thioesterase (or a naturally-occurring equivalent thereof) and also comprises the attenuation or deletion of a gene that reduces carbon flowthrough, or a gene that competes for substrates, cofactors, or energy requirements within a fatty acid biosynthetic pathway. In a particular embodiment, the attenuated gene comprises at least one of fadE, gpsA, ldhA, pflB, adhE, pta, poxB, ackA, ackB, plsB, and/or sfa.

In one embodiment of the invention, a recombinant host cell comprises a gene (or a polynucleotide) encoding a mutant thioesterase (or a naturally-occurring equivalent thereof) and a heterologously-introduced exogenous gene encoding at least one fatty acid derivative enzyme. In certain embodiments, the exogenous gene or polynucleotide encodes, for example, an acyl-CoA synthase, an ester synthase, an alcohol acyltransferase, an alcohol dehydrogenase, an acyl-CoA reductase, a fatty-alcohol-forming acyl-CoA reductase, a carboxylic acid reductase, a decarboxylase, an aldehyde reductase, a fatty alcohol acetyl transferase, an acyl condensing enzyme, an aminotransferase, or a decarbonylase.

In one embodiment of the invention, the recombinant host cell comprises a gene encoding a mutant thioesterase (or a naturally-occurring equivalent thereof) and at least two heterologously-introduced exogenous genes encoding fatty acid derivative enzymes. In certain embodiments, the exogenous genes or polynucleotides encode, for example, an acyl-CoA synthase, an ester synthase, an alcohol acyltransferase, an alcohol dehydrogenase, an acyl-CoA reductase, a fatty-alcohol-forming acyl-CoA reductase, a carboxylic acid reductase, a decarboxylase, an aldehyde reductase, a fatty alcohol acetyl transferase, an acyl condensing enzyme, an aminotransferase, or a decarbonylase.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a gene encoding the mutant thioesterase (or a naturally-occurring equivalent thereof) and/or a fatty acid derivative enzyme, for example, an acyl-CoA synthase, an ester synthase, an alcohol acyltransferase, an alcohol dehydrogenase, an acyl-CoA reductase, a fatty-alcohol forming acyl-CoA reductase, a carboxylic acid reductase, a decarboxylase, an aldehyde reductase, a fatty alcohol acetyl transferase, an acyl condensing enzyme, an alcohol acetyltransferase, an aminotransferase, an additional thioesterase or a decarbonylase that is overexpressed.

In one embodiment of the invention, genes encoding mutant thioesterases (or naturally-occurring equivalents thereof), fatty acid derivative enzymes and/or other recombinantly expressed genes in a recombinant host cell are modified to optimize at least one codon for expression in the recombinant host cell.

In one embodiment of the invention, the recombinant host cell comprises at least one gene encoding a mutant thioesterase (or a naturally-occurring equivalent thereof) and a gene encoding an acyl-CoA synthase. The acyl-CoA synthase can be any of fadD, fadK, BH3103, yhfL, Pfl-4354, EAV15023, fadD1, fadD2, RPC_4074, fadDD35, fadDD22, faa3p, or the gene encoding the protein ZP_01644857. Other examples of acyl-CoA synthase genes include fadDD35 from M. tuberculosis HR7Rv [NP_217021], yhfL from B. subtilis [NP_388908], fadD1 from P. aeruginosa PAO1 [NP_251989], the gene encoding the protein ZP_01644857 from Stenotrophomonas maltophilia R551-3, or faa3p from Saccharomyces cerevisiae [NP_012257].

In one embodiment of the invention, a recombinant host cell is provided comprising at least one gene or polynucleotide encoding a mutant thioesterase (or a naturally-occurring equivalent thereof) and a gene or polynucleotide encoding an ester synthase, such as an ester synthase gene obtained from Acinetobacter spp., Alcanivorax borkumensis, Arabidopsis thaliana, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Homo sapiens, Simmondsia chinensis, Mortierella alpina, Cryptococcus curvatus, Alcanivorax jadensis, Alcanivorax borkumensis, Acinetobacter sp. HO1-N, or Rhodococcus opacus. Examples of ester synthase genes include wax/dgat, encoding a bifunctional ester synthase/acyl-CoA: diacylglycerol acyltransferase from Simmondsia chinensis, Acinetobacter sp. strain ADP1, Alcanivorax borkumensis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Fundibacter jadensis, Arabidopsis thaliana, or Alkaligenes eutrophus. In a preferred embodiment, the gene encoding the ester synthase is overexpressed.

In one embodiment of the invention, the recombinant host cell comprises at least one gene encoding a fatty aldehyde biosynthetic enzyme. A fatty aldehyde biosynthetic gene can be, for example, a carboxylic acid reductase gene (e.g., a car gene), having a polynucleotide sequence and/or polypeptide motif listed in FIGS. 32 and 33, or a variant thereof. In some instances, the fatty aldehyde biosynthetic gene encodes one or more of the amino acid motifs depicted in FIG. 33.

In one embodiment of the invention, the recombinant host cell comprises at least one fatty alcohol production gene. Fatty alcohol production genes include, for example, acr1. Fatty alcohol production genes are described in, for example, PCT Publication Nos. 2008/119082 and 2007/136762, the disclosures of which are herein incorporated by reference.

In one embodiment of the invention, the recombinant host cell comprises a gene encoding a mutant thioesterase (or a naturally-occurring equivalent thereof) and a gene encoding at least one olefin producing gene. The gene may be a terminal olefin producing gene or an internal olefin producing gene. As examples of terminal olefin producing genes, those described in PCT Publication No. 2009/085278, including orf880, are appropriate. As examples of internal olefin producing genes, those described in PCT Publication No. 2008/147781 A2 are appropriate. The disclosures of PCT Publication Nos. 2009/085278 and 2008/147781 A2 are herein incorporated by reference.

In one embodiment of the invention, a recombinant host cell is provided comprising at least one gene or polynucleotide encoding a mutant thioesterase (or a naturally-occurring equivalent thereof), and at least one of (a) a gene or polynucleotide encoding a fatty acid derivative enzyme and (b) a gene or polynucleotide encoding an acyl-CoA dehydrogenase enzyme that is attenuated. Preferably that gene encoding a fatty acid derivative enzyme that is attenuated or deleted is endogenous to the host cell, encoding, for example, an acyl-CoA synthase, an ester synthase, an alcohol acyltransferase, an alcohol dehydrogenase, an acyl-CoA reductase, a carboxylic acid reductase, a decarbonylase, a fatty alcohol acetyl transferase, a fatty acid decarboxylase, or a fatty-alcohol-forming acyl-CoA reductase. In one embodiment, the attenuated gene encodes an acyl-CoA synthase or an ester synthase.

In one embodiment of the invention, a recombinant host cell is provided that expresses, or preferably overexpresses, a thioesterase enzyme under conditions that result in the direct synthesis of fatty esters from acyl-ACP or acyl-CoA, such as fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) and fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEE), by such thioesterase. In this embodiment, the thioesterase directly converts acyl-ACP or acyl-CoA to fatty ester without necessarily expressing an enzyme that is a fatty acyl CoA synthase or an ester synthase to produce fatty esters. Nonetheless, while expression or overexpression of a fatty acyl-CoA synthase or ester synthase is unnecessary, such enzymes may be desirable to increase product yields. In this embodiment, the thioesterase enzyme can be any of an endogenous thioesterase, a heterologously-expressed thioesterase, a mutant thioesterase, or a naturally-occurring equivalent thereof.

In one embodiment of the invention, the recombinant host cell has an endogenous gene encoding an acyl-CoA dehydrogenase enzyme that is deleted or attenuated.

In one embodiment of the invention, a method is provided wherein the recombinant host cell according to the invention is cultured under conditions that permit expression or overexpression of one or more thioesterase enzymes, which can be selected from endogenous thioesterases, heterologously-expressed thioesterases, mutant thioesterases (or naturally-occurring equivalents thereof), or a combination of these thioesterases. In a particular embodiment, the thioesterase enzyme that is expressed or overexpressed can be recovered, and more preferably substantially purified, after the host cell is harvested and/or lysed.

In one embodiment of the invention, a method is provided wherein the recombinant host cell according to the invention is cultivated under conditions that permit production of fatty acid derivatives. In a preferred embodiment, the fatty acid derivative can be recovered, and more preferably the fatty acid derivative is substantially purified. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the fatty acid derivative composition is substantially purified from other components produced during cultivation by centrifugation.

In one aspect of the invention, a method is provided for producing a fatty acid derivative, comprising cultivating a recombinant host cell of the invention under conditions suitable to ensure expression or overexpression of a mutant thioesterase (or a naturally-occurring equivalent thereof), and recovering the fatty acid derivative that is produced.

In one embodiment, a method is provided for extracellularly producing a fatty acid derivative in vitro, comprising cultivating a recombinant host cell under conditions suitable for expression or overexpression of a thioesterase enzyme (including, for example, an endogenous thioesterase, a heterologously-expressed thioesterase, a mutant thioesterase, or a naturally-occurring equivalent thereof), harvesting the cells, and lysing the cells, such that the thioesterase enzyme that is produced can be recovered and used to produce fatty acid derivatives in vitro. In an exemplary embodiment, the thioesterase enzyme is substantially purified. In another exemplary embodiment, the thioesterase enzyme is not purified from the cell lysate. The purified thioesterase enzyme or the cell lysate comprising such an enzyme can then be subject to suitable thioesterase substrates under conditions that allow the production of fatty acid derivatives extracellularly. Techniques for introducing substrates to enzymes are well known in the art. A non-limiting example is adding the substrate(s) in a solution form to the enzyme solution or the cell lysate, and allowing the mixture to incubate. Another non-limiting example involves incubating the substrate(s) and enzyme solution or cell lysate by either attaching the substrate(s) or the enzyme to a solid medium (e.g., beads, resins, plates, etc.) and pass the enzyme solution/lysate or the substrate(s), respectively through the solid medium in a speed that allows for sufficient contact between the substrate(s) and the enzyme.

In another embodiment of the invention, a method is provided for producing a fatty acid derivative, which comprises cultivating a recombinant host cell under conditions suitable to ensure expression of a thioesterase enzyme (including, for example, an endogenous thioesterase, a heterologously-expressed thioesterase, a mutant thioesterase, or a naturally-occurring equivalent thereof), and recovering the fatty acid derivative that is secreted or released extracellularly. Accordingly, the fatty acid derivative product is recovered from, for example, the supernatant of a fermentation broth wherein the host cell is cultured.

In one embodiment of the invention, a method is provided for obtaining a fatty acid derivative composition extracellularly by cultivating a recombinant host cell that has been transformed with a polynucleotide encoding a thioesterase enzyme (including, for example, an endogenous thioesterase, a heterologous thioesterase, a mutant thioesterase, or a naturally-occurring equivalent thereof), cultivating under conditions that permit production of a fatty acid derivative, a major or minor portion of which is secreted or released extracellularly, and recovering the fatty acid derivative that is produced. In an exemplary embodiment, the fatty acid derivative is produced within the cell, but a portion of it is released by the host cell. Accordingly, the method further comprises harvesting the cells, lysing the cells, and recovering the fatty acid derivative.

In one embodiment of the invention, a method of producing fatty acid derivatives is provided wherein a recombinant host cell that expresses, or preferably overexpresses, a thioesterase enzyme under conditions that result in the synthesis of fatty esters from acyl-ACP or acyl-CoA by such thioesterase is cultured under conditions that permit such direct production of fatty esters.

In one embodiment of the invention, a method of producing fatty acid derivatives is provided comprising: modifying one or more endogenous thioesterases of the host cell using suitable genomic alteration techniques such that the endogenous thioesterases comprise one or more mutations and have one or more altered properties, as compared to the endogenous thioesterase precursors; and cultivating the host cell under conditions suitable for said host cell to express or overexpress such mutant thioesterases; and recovering the fatty acid derivatives. In an exemplary embodiment, the fatty acid derivative that is produced can be secreted or released extracellularly, such that it can be recovered from, for example, the supernatant of the fermentation broth wherein the host cell is cultured.

In one embodiment of the invention, a method of producing fatty acid derivatives is provided comprising: transforming the host cell with a polynucleotide sequence encoding a mutant thioesterase (or a naturally-occurring equivalent thereof), such that the production of fatty acid derivatives in the host cell is altered relative to a cell that has not been transformed with the mutant thioesterase gene (or a naturally-occurring equivalent thereof).

In one embodiment of the invention, a method of producing fatty acid derivatives is provided comprising: providing a polynucleotide sequence comprising a gene encoding a mutant thioesterase (or a naturally-occurring equivalent thereof); transforming a suitable host cell under conditions wherein said polynucleotide sequence is incorporated into said chromosome of said cell and said gene is expressible within said host cell; cultivating the transformed host cell under conditions suitable for said host cell to express said gene and produce a mutant thioesterase protein (or a naturally-occurring equivalent thereof); and recovering the fatty acid derivatives.

In any of the embodiments above, derivatives of a certain carbon chain length can be recovered at a greater proportional yield, in comparison with the production of such fatty acid derivatives of the same carbon chain length in the same host cell in the absence of the mutant thioesterase (or a naturally-occurring equivalent thereof). In a particular embodiment, the fatty acid derivatives that are recovered at an increased or decreased yield comprise a primary chain length of C₆, C₇, C₈, C₉, C₁₀, C₁₁, C₁₂, C₁₃, C₁₄, C₁₅, C₁₆, C₁₇, C₁₈, C₁₉, C₂₀, C₂₁, C₂₂, C₂₃, C₂₄, C₂₅, C₂₆, C₂₈, C₂₉, C₃₀, C₃₁, C₃₂, C₃₃, C₃₄, C₃₅, C₃₆, C₃₇, C₃₈ or C₃₉ fatty acyl chain. The fatty acid derivatives that are recovered at an increased or decreased yield in the composition can be selected from all types of fatty acid derivatives, including, for example, hydrocarbons, fatty acids, fatty esters, fatty aldehydes, fatty alcohols terminal olefins, internal olefins, alkanes, diols, fatty amines, dicarboxylic acids, or ketones, or combinations thereof.

Alternatively, in any of the embodiments above, a particular fatty acid derivative can be produced at an increased or decreased proportional or percentage yield relative to the other fatty acid derivatives, when compared to the proportional or percentage yield of that particular fatty acid derivative in the same host cell in the absence of the mutant thioesterase (or a naturally-occurring equivalent thereof). In a particular embodiment, the fatty acid derivative that is produced at an increased proportional or percentage yield is a fatty ester. In another embodiment, the fatty acid derivative that is produced at a decreased proportional or percentage yield is a fatty ester.

Alternatively, in any of the embodiments above, fatty acid derivatives can be produced at an increased yield, or at an increased proportional yield of short-chain (e.g., C₈, C₉, C₁₀, C₁₁, C₁₂, C₁₃, or C₁₄) products. Conversely, in any of the embodiments above, fatty acid derivatives can be produced at a decreased yield, or at a decreased proportional yield of short-chain (e.g., C₈, C₉, C₁₀, C₁₁, C₁₂, C₁₃, or C₁₄) products.

In one embodiment of the invention, a method of producing fatty acid derivatives is provided wherein the yield of fatty acid derivatives produced by the method of the invention is at least about 0.001 g of fatty acid derivative product/g of carbon source, for example, at least about 0.01 g of fatty acid derivative product/g of carbon source, about 0.1 g of fatty acid derivative product/g of carbon source, about 0.2 g of fatty acid derivative product/g of carbon source, about 0.3 g of fatty acid derivative product/g of carbon source, about 0.4 g of fatty acid derivative product/g of carbon source, or about 0.45 g of fatty acid derivative product/g of carbon source.

In one embodiment of the invention, a method of producing fatty acid derivatives is provided wherein the method results in a titer of at least about 0.5 g/L, for example, at least about 1 g/L, 2 g/L, 5 g/L, 10 g/L, 20 g/L, 30 g/L, 40 g/L, 50 g/L, 75 g/L, 100 g/L, 150 g/L or 200 g/L.

In one embodiment of the invention, a method of producing fatty acid derivatives is provided wherein the productivity of the method is such that at least about 0.1 g/L.h, for example, at least about 0.5 g/L.h, 1 g/L.h, 2 g/L.h, 3 g/L.h, 4 g/L.h, 5 g/L.h, 6 g/L.h, 7 g/L.h or 8 g/L.h is produced.

In one embodiment of the invention, fatty acid derivative compositions are provided that are produced by the host cells of the invention. Such compositions can comprise hydrocarbons, esters, alcohols, ketones, aldehydes, fatty acids, dicarboxylic acids, internal olefins, terminal olefins, and/or combinations thereof. Such compositions are useful in applications in the chemical industry, for example in the production of surfactants and detergents, or as a biofuel and a substitute for petroleum, heating oil, kerosene, diesel, jet fuel or gasoline.

In one embodiment of the invention, fatty acid derivative compositions are provided comprising less than or equal to about 50 ppm arsenic, about 30 ppm, about 25 ppm, or between about 10 and about 50 ppm arsenic; less than or equal to about 200 ppm calcium, about 150 ppm calcium, about 119 ppm calcium or between about 50 and about 200 ppm calcium; less than or equal to about 200 ppm chlorine, about 150 ppm chlorine, about 119 ppm chlorine or between about 50 and about 200 ppm chlorine; less than or equal to about 50 ppm copper, about 30 ppm copper, about 23 ppm copper, or between about 10 and about 50 ppm copper; less than or equal to about 300 ppm iron, about 200 ppm iron, about 136 ppm iron, or between about 50 and about 250 ppm iron; less than or equal to about 50 ppm lead, about 30 ppm lead, about 25 ppm lead, or between about 10 and about 50 ppm lead; less than or equal to about 50 ppm manganese, about 30 ppm manganese, about 23 ppm manganese, or between about 10 and about 50 ppm manganese; less than or equal to about 50 ppm magnesium, about 30 ppm magnesium, about 23 ppm magnesium, or between about 10 and about 50 ppm magnesium; less than or equal to about 0.5 ppm mercury, about 0.1 ppm mercury, about 0.06 ppm mercury or between about 0.01 and about 0.2 ppm mercury; less than or equal to about 50 ppm molybdenum, about 30 ppm molybdenum, about 23 ppm molybdenum or between about 10 and about 50 ppm molybdenum; less than or equal to about 2% nitrogen; about 1% nitrogen, about 0.5% nitrogen, or between about 0.1-1% nitrogen; less than or equal to about 200 ppm potassium, about 150 ppm potassium, about 103 ppm potassium, or between about 50 and about 200 ppm potassium; less than or equal to about 300 ppm sodium, 200 ppm sodium, about 140 ppm sodium, or between about 50 and about 300 ppm sodium; less than or equal to about 1 ppm sulfur, less than or equal to about 1% sulfur, about 0.14% sulfur, or between about 0.05 and about 0.3% sulfur; less than or equal to about 50 ppm zinc, about 30 ppm zinc, about 23 ppm zinc, or between about 10 and about 50 ppm zinc; or less than or equal to about 700 ppm phosphorus, about 500 ppm phosphorus, about 350 ppm phosphorus, or between about 100 and about 700 ppm phosphorus.

In one embodiment of the invention, fatty acid derivatives having fractions of modern carbon of about 1.003 to about 1.5 are provided.

In one embodiment of the invention, a fatty acid derivative composition is provided wherein the composition includes constituents comprising an acyl group that has a double bond at position 7 in the carbon chain (between carbon number 7 on the carbon chain and carbon number 8 on the carbon chain) from its reduced end.

In a particular embodiment, the fatty acid derivative composition comprises C₅-C₂₅ (i.e., a carbon chain length of 5 to 25 carbons) fatty esters, C₅-C₂₅ fatty acids, C₅-C₂₅ fatty aldehydes, C₅-C₂₅ fatty alcohols; or C₁₀-C₂₀ (i.e., a carbon chain length of 10 to 20 carbons) fatty esters, C₁₀-C₂₀ fatty acids, C₁₀-C₂₀ fatty aldehydes, C₁₀-C₂₀ fatty alcohols; or C₁₂-C₁₈ (i.e., a carbon chain length of 12 to 18 carbons) fatty esters, C₁₂-C₁₈ fatty acids, C₁₂-C₁₈ fatty aldehydes, C₁₂-C₁₈ fatty alcohols.

In a particular embodiment, the fatty acid derivatives of the invention comprise straight chain fatty acid derivatives, branched chain fatty acid derivatives, and/or cyclic moieties. In a particular embodiment, the fatty acid derivatives are unsaturated (e.g., monounsaturated) or saturated.

In one embodiment of the invention, the fatty acid derivative composition comprises a fatty ester that is produced from an alcohol and an acyl-CoA, wherein the alcohol is at least about 1, for example, at least about 2, about 3, about 4, about 5, about 6, about 7, about 8, about 10, about 12, about 14, about 16, or about 18 carbons in length, and the acyl-CoA is at least about 2, for example, at least about 4, about 6, about 8, about 10, about 12, about 14, about 16, about 18, about 20, about 22, about 24, or about 26 carbons in length. In some embodiments, the alcohol and acyl-CoA from which the fatty ester are produced vary by about 2, about 4, about 6, about 8, about 10, about 12, or about 14 carbon atoms.

In another embodiment, the fatty acid derivative composition comprises a fatty ester that is produced from an alcohol and an acyl-ACP, wherein the alcohol is at least about 1, for example, at least about 2, about 3, about 4, about 5, about 6, about 7, about 8, about 10, about 12, about 14, about 16, or about 18 carbons in length, and the acyl-ACP is at least about 2, for example, about 4, about 6, about 8, about 10, about 12, about 14, about 16, about 18, about 20, about 22, about 24, or about 26 carbons in length. In some embodiments, the alcohol and acyl-ACP from which the fatty ester are produced vary by about 2, about 4, about 6, about 8, about 10, about 12 or about 14 carbon atoms.

In one embodiment of the invention, the fatty acid derivative composition comprises a mixture of derivatives including free fatty acids. In one embodiment, the percentage of free fatty acids by weight is at least about 0.5%, for example, at least about 1%, about 2%, about 3%, about 4%, about 5%, about 6%, about 7%, about 8%, about 9%, about 10%, about 15%, about 20%, or about 25%. In a certain embodiment, the percentage of fatty esters produced by weight is at least about 50%, for example, at least about 55%, about 60%, about 65%, about 70%, about 75%, about 80%, about 85%, or about 90%. In a further embodiment, the ratio of fatty acid derivatives other than free fatty acids to free fatty acids is greater than about 90:1, for example, greater than about 80:1, about 50:1, about 20:1, about 10:1, about 9:1, about 8:1, about 7:1, about 5:1, about 2:1 or about 1:1, by weight.

In one embodiment, the fatty acid derivative composition comprises a mixture of derivatives including free fatty acids. In one embodiment, the percentage of free fatty acids by weight is at least about 50%, for example, at least about 55%, about 60%, about 65%, about 70%, about 75%, about 80%, about 85%, or about 90%. In a certain embodiment, the percentage of fatty ester produced by weight is at least about at least about 0.5%, for example, at least about 1%, about 2%, about 3%, about 4%, about 5%, about 6%, about 7%, about 8%, about 9%, about 10%, about 15%, about 20%, about 25%, about 30%, about 35%, about 40%, about 45%, or about 50%. In a further embodiment, the ratio of the fatty acid derivative produced other than free fatty acids to free fatty acids is less than about 60:1, for example, less than about 50:1, about 40:1, about 30:1, about 20:1, about 10:1, about 1:1, about 1:2; about 1:3, about 1:5, or about 1:10, by weight.

In one embodiment of the invention, the fatty acid derivative composition includes one or more fatty esters selected from: ethyl decanoate, ethyl dodecanoate, ethyl tridecanoate, ethyl tetradecanoate, ethyl pentadecanoate, ethyl cis-9-hexadecenoate, ethyl hexadecanoate, ethyl heptadecanoate, ethyl cis-11-octadecenoate, ethyl octadecanoate, methyl decanoate, methyl dodecanoate, methyl tridecanoate, methyl tetradecanoate, methyl pentadecanoate, methyl cis-9-hexadecenoate, methyl hexadecanoate, methyl heptadecanoate, methyl cis-11-octadecenoate, methyl octadecanoate, or a combination thereof.

In one embodiment of the invention, the fatty acid derivative composition includes one or more free fatty acids selected from: octanoic acid, decanoic acid, dodecanoic acid, tetradecanoic acid, pentadecanoic acid, cis-9-hexadecenoic acid, hexadecanoic acid, cis-11-octadecenoic acid, or combinations thereof.

Compositions comprising the fatty acid derivatives of the invention can be used as fuels. For example, the fatty acid derivatives can be used as, or as a component of, a biodiesel, a fatty alcohol, a fatty ester, a triacylglyceride, a gasoline, a diesel, or a jet fuel. A gasoline or a biodiesel composition can be used in an internal combustion engine. A jet fuel can be used in a jet engine. Accordingly, fuel compositions comprising the fatty acid derivatives prepared according to the present disclosures are provided herein.

Compositions comprising fatty acid derivatives of the invention can be used as fuel additives. For example, they can be added to a petroleum-based diesel or biodiesel to improve its renewable fuel content, lubricity, kinematic viscosity, acid number, boiling point, oxidative stability, cold filter-plugging point, impurity profiles, sulfated ash level, cetane number, cloud point, or pour point. Accordingly, fuel additive compositions comprising fatty acid derivatives produced according to the present disclosures are also provided.

Compositions comprising fatty acid derivatives of the invention can also be used as biocrude compositions, which can serve as feedstocks for making other petroleum-derivative compounds. For example, long chain hydrocarbons, internal or terminal olefins, alkanes, fatty aldehydes and fatty esters made according to the current invention can be further processed to produce fuels, fuel additives, fuel blends, and/or chemical products. Accordingly, biocrude compositions comprising fatty acid derivatives prepared according to the present disclosures are provided.

Compositions comprising fatty acid derivatives of the invention can be used as feedstocks in manufacturing detergents and surfactants, nutritional supplements, polymers, paraffin replacements, lubricants, solvents, personal care products, rubber processing additives, corrosion inhibitors, emulsifiers, plastics, textiles, cosmetics, paper products, coatings, metalworking fluids, dielectrics, oiling agents, and/or emollients. Accordingly, feedstock compositions comprising fatty acid derivatives prepared according to the present disclosures are also provided.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 (FIG. 1) is a table identifying various genes that can be over-expressed or attenuated to increase fatty acid derivative production. The table also identifies various genes that can be modulated to alter the structure of the fatty acid derivative product. Certain of the genes that are used to alter the structure of the fatty acid derivative will also increase the production of fatty acid derivatives.

FIG. 2 (FIG. 2) is a diagram illustrating the beta-oxidation pathway, including steps catalyzed by the following enzymes (1) acyl-CoA synthase (EC 6.2.1.-). (2) acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (EC 1.3.99.3), (3) enoyl-CoA hydratase (EC 4.2.1.17); (4) 3-hydroxybutyryl-CoA epimerase (EC 5.1.2.3), and (5) 3-ketoacyl-CoA thiolase (EC 2.3.1.16). This final reaction of the β-oxidation cycle, releases acetyl-CoA and an acyl-CoA fatty acid two carbons shorter, ready to go through β-oxidation reactions again.

FIG. 3 (FIG. 3) is a diagram illustrating the FAS biosynthetic pathway.

FIG. 4 (FIG. 4) is a diagram illustrating biosynthetic pathways that produce fatty esters depending upon the substrates provided.

FIG. 5 (FIG. 5) is a diagram illustrating biosynthetic pathways that produce fatty alcohols.

FIG. 6 (FIG. 6) is a graph depicting fatty alcohol production by the strain co-transformed with pCDFDuet-1-fadD-acr1 and plasmids containing various thioesterase genes. Saturated C₁₀, C₁₂, C₁₄, C₁₆ and C₁₈ fatty alcohol were identified.

FIG. 7 (FIG. 7) is a graph depicting fatty alcohol production by the strain described in Example 3, co-transformed with pCDFDuet-1-fadD-acr1 and plasmids containing various thioesterase genes. The strains were grown aerobically at 25° C. or 37° C. in an M9 mineral medium containing 0.4% glucose in shake flasks. Fatty alcohols were detected in the cell pellets as well as in the supernatants, indicating a substantial extracellular production of such alcohols. Cultivation at 25° C. resulted in the release of about 25% of the product from the cells, whereas cultivation at 37° C. resulted in the release of about 50% of the product from the cell.

FIG. 8A-D (FIGS. 8A-D) are plots depicting GC-MS spectra of octyl octanoate (C₈C₈) produced by a production host expressing alcohol acetyl transferase (AATs, EC 2.3.1.84) and production hosts expressing ester synthase (EC 2.3.1.20, 2.3.1.75). FIG. 8A is a GC-MS spectrum showing ethyl acetate extract of strain C41(DE3, ΔfadE/pHZ1.43)/pRSET B+pAS004.114B) wherein the pHZ1.43 plasmid expressed ADP1 ester synthase (EC 2.3.1.20, 2.3.1.75). FIG. 8B is a GC-MS spectrum showing ethyl acetate extract of strain C41(DE3, ΔfadE/pHZ1.43)/pRSET B+pAS004.114B) wherein the pHZ1.43 plasmid expressed SAAT. FIG. 8C is a GC-MS spectrum showing acetyl acetate extract of strain C41(DE3, ΔfadE/pHZ1.43)/pRSET B+pAS004.114B) wherein the pHZ1.43 plasmid did not contain ADP1 (an ester synthase) or SAAT. FIG. 8D is a GC-MS spectrum showing the mass spectrum and fragmentation pattern of C₈C₈ produced by C41(DE3, ΔfadE/pHZ1.43)/pRSET B+pAS004.114B wherein the pHZ1.43 plasmid expressed SAAT).

FIG. 9 (FIG. 9) is a graph depicting the distribution of ethyl esters made (in accordance with Example 9) when the ester synthase from A. baylyi ADP1 (WSadp1) was co-expressed with a thioesterase from Cuphea hookeriana in a production host.

FIG. 10 (FIG. 10) is a graph depicting the production of ethyl esters by various ester synthases at 25° C. The ethyl esters were produced by recombinant E. coli strains carrying various ester synthase genes. The recombinant strains were (1) C41 (DE3, ΔfadEΔfabR)/pETDuet-1-’TesA+pCDFDuet-1-fadD with 1 pHZ1.43; (2) pHZ1.97_377; (3) pHZ1.97_atfA2; (4) pHZ1.97_376; (5) pHZ1.97_atfA1; and (6) no plasmids (control).

FIG. 11 (FIG. 11) is a graph depicting the acyl composition of fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEE) produced from various E. coli strains. The recombinant strains are (1) C41 (DE3, ΔfadEΔfabR)/pETDuet-1-’TesA+pCDFDuet-1-fadD with 1 pHZ1.43; (2) pHZ1.97_377; (3) pHZ1.97_atfA2; (4) pHZ1.97_376; (5) pHZ1.97_atfA1; and (6) no plasmids (control).

FIG. 12 (FIG. 12) is a graph depicting the production of ethyl esters by various ester synthases at 37° C. The ethyl esters were produced by recombinant E. coli strains carrying various ester synthase genes. The recombinant strains were (1) C41 (DE3, ΔfadEΔfabR)/pETDuet-1-’TesA+pCDFDuet-1-fadD with 1 pHZ1.43; (2) pHZ1.97_377; (3) pHZ1.97_atfA2; (4) pHZ1.97_376; (5) pHZ1.97_atfA1; and (6) no plasmids (control).

FIG. 13 (FIG. 13) is a graph depicting concentrations of free fatty acids (FFA) and fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEE) produced from three individual colonies from the transformants, C41 (DE3, ΔfadEΔfabR)/pETDuet-1-’TesA+pCDFDuet-1-fadD+pHZ1.97_atfA2. The FFA was converted to fatty acid ethyl ester (FAEE) and quantified by GC/MS.

FIG. 14 (FIG. 14) is a diagram depicting the control regions for FabA (SEQ ID NO:33) and FabB (SEQ ID NO:34). The FadR and FabR consensus binding sites are shown in bold. Vertical arrows indicate the positions where mutations can be made to alter fabA expression. The proposed base for each position is also indicated by the brackets. The two regions that constitute the −35 and -10 regions of the typical E. coli promoter are indicated by the brackets. The proposed mutations that make the promoter closer to the consensus promoter sequence are also shown.

FIGS. 15A-B (FIGS. 15A-B) are chromatograms depicting GC/MS analysis. FIG. 15A is a chromatogram depicting the components of an ethyl acetate extract of the culture of E. coli LS9001 strain transformed with plasmids pCDFDuet-1-fadD-WSadp1, pETDuet-1-’TesA. FIG. 15B is a chromatogram depicting the ethyl hexadecanoate and the ethyl oleate, which were used as references.

FIG. 16 (FIG. 16) is a map of the pOP-80 plasmid.

FIG. 17 (FIG. 17) is the full DNA sequence of the pOP-80 plasmid (SEQ ID NO:1)

FIG. 18 (FIG. 18) is the DNA sequence (SEQ ID NO:2) for the E. coli codon-optimized fadD35 gene (GenBank Accession No. NP_217021).

FIG. 19 (FIG. 19) is the DNA sequence (SEQ ID NO:3) for the E. coli codon-optimized fadD1 gene (GenBank Accession No. NP_251989).

FIG. 20 (FIG. 20) is the BsyhfLBspHIF primer (SEQ ID NO:4) based on the DNA sequence deposited at NCBI with GenBank Accession No. NC_000964.

FIG. 21 (FIG. 21) is the BsyhfLEcoR primer (SEQ ID NO:5) based on the DNA sequence deposited at NCBI with GenBank Accession No. NC_000964.

FIG. 22 (FIG. 22) is the DNA sequence (SEQ ID NO:6) for the yhfL gene from Bacillus subtilis.

FIG. 23 (FIG. 23) is the Scfaa3pPciF primer (SEQ ID NO:7) based on the DNA sequence deposited at NCBI with GenBank Accession No. NC_001141.

FIG. 24 (FIG. 24) is the Scfaa3pPciI primer (SEQ ID NO:8) based on the DNA sequence deposited at NCBI with GenBank Accession No. NC_001141.

FIG. 25 (FIG. 25) is the DNA sequence (SEQ ID NO:9) for the faa3 gene from Saccharomyces cerevisiae (GenBank Accession No. NP_012257).

FIG. 26 (FIG. 26) is the Smprk59BspF primer (SEQ ID NO:10) based on the DNA sequence deposited at NCBI with GenBank Accession No. NZ_AAVZ01000044.

FIG. 27 (FIG. 27) is the Smprk59HindR primer (SEQ ID NO:11) based on the DNA sequence deposited at NCBI with GenBank Accession No. NZ_AAVZ01000044.

FIG. 28 (FIG. 28) is the PrkBsp primer (SEQ ID NO:12).

FIG. 29 (FIG. 29) is the DNA sequence encoding the protein ZP_01644857 from Stenotrophomonas maltophilia R551-3 (SEQ ID NO:13).

FIG. 30 (FIG. 30) is the protein sequence of ZP_01644857 from Stenotrophomonas maltophilia ATCC 17679 (SEQ ID NO:14).

FIG. 31 (FIG. 31) is a schematic of a new pathway for fatty aldehyde production.

FIG. 32 (FIG. 32) is a listing of the nucleotide sequence (SEQ ID NO:15) and the corresponding amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:16) of Nocardia sp. NRRL 5646 car gene.

FIG. 33 (FIG. 33) is a listing of amino acid sequence motifs for CAR homologs.

FIGS. 34A-B (FIGS. 34A-B) are GC/MS traces of olefins produced by Jeotgalicoccus sp. ATCC 8456 cells and Jeotgalicoccus halotolerans DSMZ 17274 cells, respectively.

FIGS. 35A-B (FIGS. 35A-B) are GC/MS traces of olefins produced by Jeotgalicoccus pinnipedalis DSMZ 17030 cells and Jeotgalicoccus psychrophiles DSMZ 19085 cells, respectively.

FIGS. 36A-B (FIGS. 36A-B) are mass spectrometry fragmentation patterns of two α-olefins produced by Jeotgalicoccus ATCC 8456 cells. Compound A was identified as 1-nonadecene and compound B as 18-methyl-1-nonadecene.

FIG. 37 (FIG. 37) is a schematic of a phylogenetic analysis of 16s rRNA of Jeotgalicoccus ATCC 8456.

FIGS. 38A-B (FIGS. 38A-B) are GC/MS traces of α-olefins produced by Jeotgalicoccus sp. ATCC 8456 cells upon feeding with eicosanoic acid (FIG. 38A) or stearic acid (FIG. 38B).

FIG. 39 (FIG. 39) is a GC/MS trace of α-olefins (1-heptadecene) produced by cell free lysates of Jeotgalicoccus sp. ATCC 8456 cells, as compared to a trace of cell-free lysate without the C₁₈ fatty acid substrate, and a trace of the C₁₈ fatty acid substrate itself.

FIG. 40 (FIG. 40) is a digital representation of an SDS-PAGE gel of final purified α-olefins-producing protein fraction from Jeotgalicoccus sp. ATCC 8456 cells.

FIGS. 41A-B (FIGS. 41A-B) are orf880 nucleotide (SEQ ID NO:25) and amino acid (SEQ ID NO:26) sequences, respectively. FIG. 41C is the partial 16s rRNA sequence (SEQ ID NO:27) of Jeotgalicoccus sp. ATCC8456.

FIG. 42 (FIG. 42) is a GC/MS trace of α-olefins produced by E. coli upon expression of Jeotgalicoccus sp. 8456_orf880 and feeding of stearic acid.

FIG. 43 (FIG. 43) is a schematic of a bootstrap phylogenetic analysis of 8456_orf880 homologs using ClustalW.

FIG. 44 (FIG. 44) describes amino acid motifs for identifying precursor thioesterases useful in the present invention.

FIGS. 45A-B (FIGS. 45A-B) include a tables listing the results of assays identifying mutant thioesterases with altered properties. In particular, FIG. 45A includes lists of mutants with Z scores of at least 3 for activity (i.e., catalytic rate) with respect to the named substrate or specificity for the named substrate; and FIG. 45B is a table of mutants having improved and/or increased yield/production of fatty acid derivatives with Z scores of at least 3.

FIGS. 46A-E (FIGS. 46A-E) include tables listing the results of assays identifying mutant thioesterases with altered proportional yield of fatty esters vs. other products (e.g., fatty acid derivatives other than fatty esters). In particular, FIG. 46A is a table showing mutants having Z scores of at least 3 with respect to the proportional or percentage yield of fatty esters vs. free fatty acids. FIG. 46B is a table showing mutants having Z scores of less than −3 with respect to the proportional or percentage yield of fatty esters vs. free fatty acids. FIG. 46C is a table showing mutants having Z scores of at least 3 with respect to the in vivo yield of fatty acid derivatives. FIG. 46D is a table showing mutants having Z scores of at least 3 with respect to the proportional yield of short-chain (e.g., C₈, C₉, C₁₀, C₁₁, C₁₂, C₁₃, and/or C₁₄) fatty acid derivatives vs. other fatty acid derivatives (e.g., fatty acid derivatives other than short-chain fatty acid derivatives including, for example, long-chain (e.g., C₁₅, C₁₆, C₁₇, C₁₈, C₁₉, and/or C₂₀) fatty acid derivatives). FIG. 46E is a table showing mutants having Z scores of less than −3 with respect to the proportional yield of short-chain (e.g., C₈, C₉, C₁₀, C₁₁, C₁₂, C₁₃, and/or C₁₄) fatty acid derivatives vs. other fatty acid derivatives (e.g., fatty acid derivatives other than short-chain fatty acid derivatives including, for example, long-chain (e.g., C₁₅, C₁₆, C₁₇, C₁₈, C₁₉, and/or C₂₀) fatty acid derivatives).

FIG. 47 (FIG. 47) is a sequence alignment of homologs of ‘TesA using the amino acid residues of an E. coli ‘TesA (i.e., TesA without the signal peptide) as a reference sequence for numbering purposes.

FIG. 48 (FIG. 48) is a graph depicting the FAME titers and composition for the MG1655 (ΔfadE) pTrc-’TesA_fadD strain.

FIG. 49 (FIG. 49) is a graph depicting the FAME titers and composition for the MG1655 (ΔfadE) and C41(ΔfadE) strains expressing fadD and “tesA on plasmids during a 25-hour fermentation run.

FIG. 50 (FIG. 50) is a graph depicting the FAME titers and composition for the MG1655 (ΔfadE) pTrc-’TesA_fadD strain.

FIG. 51 (FIG. 51) is a graph depicting the FAME titers and composition for the MG1655 (ΔfadE) and C41 (ΔfadE) strains expressing fadD and ‘tesA on plasmids during a 25-hour fermentation run.

FIG. 52 (FIG. 52) is a graph depicting the FFA titers and composition for the MG1655 (ΔfadE) and C41 (ΔfadE) strains expressing fadD and ‘tesA on plasmids during a 25-hour fermentation run.

FIG. 53 (FIG. 53) is a graph depicting the FAME titers for the MG1655 (ΔfadE) strains expressing E. coli ‘tesA, P. luminescens ‘tesA, V. harveyi ‘tesA and P. profundum tesB on plasmids, during a 24-hour fermentation run. Titers are represented in mg/L and mg/L/OD.

FIG. 54 (FIG. 54) is a graph of FFA titers for MG1655 (ΔfadE) strains expressing E. coli ‘tesA, P. luminescens ‘tesA, V. harveyi ‘tesA and P. profundum tesB on plasmids, during a 24-hour fermentation run. Titers are represented in mg/L (bars) and mg/L/OD (triangles).

FIG. 55 (FIG. 55) compares the relevant sequence regions of naturally-occurring thioesterases that comprise residues at positions that correspond to mutations in ‘TesA that introduce altered properties. The relevant residue is highlighted in dark color, and aligned with corresponding residues in naturally-occurring thioesterases.

FIG. 56 (FIG. 56) lists GenBank Accession numbers of ‘TesA homologs.

FIGS. 57A-C (FIG. 57A-C) are graphs depicting substrate specificity (Z score) vs. amino acid residue positions corresponding to ‘TesA sequence of SEQ ID NO:31 with symbols to represent levels of conservation in the cons70 alignment for C₁₀ specificity (FIG. 57A), C₁₂ specificity (FIG. 57B) and C₁₄ specificity (FIG. 57C).

FIG. 58 (FIG. 58) shows the amino acid sequence of an E. coli ‘TesA (SEQ ID NO:31).

FIG. 59 (FIG. 59) shows a nucleotide sequence encoding an E. coli ‘TesA (SEQ ID NO:32).

FIG. 60 (FIG. 60) is a graph of free fatty acid (FFA) and fatty acyl methyl ester (FAME) titers in cultures of E. coli MG1655 ΔfadE cells transformed with pACYC containing the ‘tesA homologs from E. coli (EcolA), Pectobacterium atrosepticum (PatrA), Pseudomonas putida (PputA), Vibrio harveyi (VharA), Photorhabdus luminescens (PlumA), or with pACYC containing no insert (Neg).

FIG. 61 (FIG. 61) is a graph of FFA and FAME titers in cultures of E. coli MG1655 ΔfadE cells overexpressing fadD and ‘tesA from E. coli (Ecoli), Pectobacterium atrosepticum (Patr), Photorhabdus luminescens (Plum), Photobacterium profundum (Ppro), Vibrio harveyi (VhA), Pseudomonas putida (Pput), or no ‘tesA (Neg). (Data marked with an asterisk (*) are from a separate experiment.)

FIG. 62 (FIG. 62) is a graph of FFA and FAME titers in cultures of E. coli MG1655 ΔfadE expressing wildtype E. coli ‘tesA (WT), the S10C mutant (S10C), or no ‘tesA (Neg).

FIG. 63 (FIG. 63) is a graph of FAME production against time of a fermentation run with recombinant host cells that express thioesterase in the absence of exogenous ester synthase.

FIG. 64 (FIG. 64) is a graph of FFA production against time of a fermentation run with recombinant host cells that express thioesterase in the absence of exogenous ester synthase.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, suitable methods and materials are described below. All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein, including GenBank database sequences, are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In case of conflict, the present specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description, and from the claims.

Definitions

Throughout the specification, a reference may be made using an abbreviation of a gene name or a polypeptide name, but it is understood that such an abbreviated gene or polypeptide name represents the genus of genes or polypeptides, respectively. Such gene names include all genes encoding the same polypeptide and homologous polypeptides having the same physiological function. Polypeptide names include all polypeptides that have the same activity (e.g., that catalyze the same fundamental chemical reaction).

Unless otherwise indicated, the accession numbers referenced herein are derived from the NCBI database (National Center for Biotechnology Information) maintained by the National Institute of Health, U.S.A. Unless otherwise indicated, the accession numbers are as provided in the database as of March 2008.

EC numbers are established by the Nomenclature Committee of the International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (NC-IUBMB) (available at http://www.chem.qmul/ac/uk/iubmb/enzyme/). The EC numbers referenced herein are derived from the KEGG Ligand database, maintained by the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomics, sponsored in part by the University of Tokyo. Unless otherwise indicated, the EC numbers are as provided in the database as of March 2008.

The articles “a” and “an” are used herein to refer to one or more than one (i.e., to at least one) of the grammatical object of the article. By way of example, “an element” means one element or more than one element.

The term “about” is used herein to mean a value±20% of a given numerical value. Thus, “about 60%” refers to a value of 60±(20% of 60) (i.e., between 48 and 70).

As used herein, the term “alcohol dehydrogenase” (EC 1.1.1.*) is a polypeptide capable of catalyzing the conversion of a fatty aldehydes to an alcohol (e.g., a fatty alcohol). Additionally, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that some alcohol dehydrogenases will catalyze other reactions as well. For example, some alcohol dehydrogenases will accept other substrates in addition to fatty aldehydes. Such non-specific alcohol dehydrogenases are, therefore, also included in this definition. Polynucleotide sequences encoding alcohol dehydrogenases are known in the art, and such dehydrogenases are publicly available.

The term “altered property” refers to a modification in one or more properties of a mutant polynucleotide or mutant protein with reference to a precursor polynucleotide or precursor protein. Properties that can be advantageously altered with respect to proteins made according to the present invention include oxidative stability, substrate specificity, substrate selectivity, catalytic activity, thermal stability, pH stability, pH activity profile, resistance to proteolytic degradation, K_(m), k_(cat), k_(cat)/k_(m) ratio, protein folding, inducing an immune response, ability to bind to a ligand, ability to bind to a receptor, ability to be secreted, ability to translocate in an active manner into a membrane, ability to be displayed on the surface of a cell, ability to oligomerize, ability to signal, ability to stimulate cell proliferation, ability to inhibit cell proliferation, ability to induce apoptosis, ability to be modified by phosphorylation or glycosylation, ability to treat disease. In one embodiment of the invention, mutant thioesterases are provided that derive from a precursor thioesterase, wherein the mutant has at least one altered property either in vitro or in vivo, as compared to the properties of the precursor thioesterase. In one embodiment, the altered property can be a biophysical property such as thermal stability (melting point T_(m)), solvent stability, solute stability, oxidative stability, lipophilicity, hydrophilicity, quaternary structure, dipole moment, or isoelectric point. In one embodiment, the altered property can be a biochemical property such as pH optimum, temperature optimum, ionic strength optimum, and/or an enzyme catalytic parameter (such as, for example, product distribution, product proportional or percentage yield, specific activity, substrate preference, substrate affinity, substrate inhibition, product affinity, turnover rate, product inhibition, kinetic mechanism, K_(M), k_(cat), k_(cat)/K_(m), and/or V_(MAX)). In one embodiment, the altered property is a changed preference for particular substrates, as reflected in, for example, a changed preference for alcoholysis or hydrolysis, acyl-CoA or acyl-acyl carrier protein substrates, ester or thioester substrates, saturated or unsaturated substrates, position of unsaturations, broad or narrow specificity (e.g., the ability to catalyze a range of substrates or only substrates of a specific carbon chain length). In one embodiment, the altered property can be an increased preference or activity for branched substrates, substrates having a specific position of branching, hydroxy-acyl substrates, keto-acyl substrates, substrates that result in a product having desirable fuel attributes (i.e., cetane number, octane rating, oxidative stability, lubricity, flash point, viscosity, boiling point, melting point, pour point, cloud point, cold filter plugging point, cold flow characteristics, aromaticity, and/or iodine number). Altered properties also include a decrease in activity or attenuation of ester hydrolysis, such as hydrolysis of desired product molecules, or a decrease in the toxicity of the protein to the cell and/or a change in the expression level of the protein in the cell. In a particular embodiment, the at least one altered property is, for example, a change in the ability of the thioesterase to catalyze the synthesis of fatty acyl esters directly or indirectly, in vivo or in vitro, such as by transesterification.

As used herein, an “analogous sequence” is one wherein the function of the gene is essentially the same as a reference gene such as, for example, a ‘tesA gene from E. coli. Additionally, analogous genes include at least about 20%, for example, at least about 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity with the sequence of a reference gene or polynucleotide such as, for example, the polynucleotide or polypeptide sequence of a ‘tesA gene or a ‘TesA thioesterase, respectively. In additional embodiments more than one of the above properties applies to the sequence. Analogous sequences are determined by known methods of sequence alignment.

The term “alignment” refers to a method of comparing two or more polynucleotides or polypeptide sequences for the purpose of determining their relationship to each other. Alignments are typically performed by computer programs that apply various algorithms, however it is also possible to perform an alignment by hand. Alignment programs typically iterate through potential alignments of sequences and score the alignments using substitution tables, employing a variety of strategies to reach a potential optimal alignment score. Commonly-used alignment algorithms include, but are not limited to, CLUSTALW, (see, Thompson J. D., Higgins D. G., Gibson T. J., CLUSTAL W: improving the sensitivity of progressive multiple sequence alignment through sequence weighting, position-specific gap penalties and weight matrix choice, Nucleic Acids Research 22: 4673-4680, 1994); CLUSTALV, (see, Larkin M. A., et al., CLUSTALW2, ClustalW and ClustalX version 2, Bioinformatics 23(21): 2947-2948, 2007); Jotun-Hein, Muscle et al., MUSCLE: a multiple sequence alignment method with reduced time and space complexity, BMC Bioinformatics 5: 113, 2004); Mafft, Kalign, ProbCons, and T-Coffee (see Notredame et al., T-Coffee: A novel method for multiple sequence alignments, Journal of Molecular Biology 302: 205-217, 2000). Exemplary programs that implement one or more of the above algorithms include, but are not limited to MegAlign from DNAStar (DNAStar, Inc. 3801 Regent St. Madison, Wis. 53705), MUSCLE, T-Coffee, CLUSTALX, CLUSTALV, JalView, Phylip, and Discovery Studio from Accelrys (Accelrys, Inc., 10188 Telesis Ct, Suite 100, San Diego, Calif. 92121). In a non-limiting example, MegAlign is used to implement the CLUSTALW alignment algorithm with the following parameters: Gap Penalty 10, Gap Length Penalty 0.20, Delay Divergent Seqs (30%) DNA Transition Weight 0.50, Protein Weight matrix Gonnet Series, DNA Weight Matrix IUB.

The term “antibodies” refers to immunoglobulins. Antibodies include but are not limited to immunoglobulins obtained directly from any species from which it is desirable to produce antibodies. In addition, the present invention encompasses modified antibodies. The term also refers to antibody fragments that retain the ability to bind to the same epitope to which the intact antibody also binds, and include polyclonal antibodies, monoclonal antibodies, chimeric antibodies, anti-idiotype (anti-ID) antibodies. Antibody fragments include, but are not limited to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs), single-chain fragment variable regions (scFv), heavy chain variable region (VH), light chain variable region (VL). Polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies are also encompassed by the present invention. Preferably, the antibodies are monoclonal antibodies.

The term “attenuate” means to weaken, reduce or diminish. In one example, the sensitivity of a particular enzyme to feedback inhibition or inhibition caused by a composition that is not a product or a reactant (non-pathway specific feedback) is reduced such that the enzyme activity is not impacted by the presence of a compound. In a particular example, the expression of fabH gene is temperature sensitive and its sequence can be altered to decrease the sensitivity to temperature fluctuations. Also, expression of the fabH gene can be attenuated when branched amino acids are desired. In another example, an enzyme that has been modified to be less active can be referred to as attenuated. A functional modification of the sequence encoding an enzyme can be used to attenuate expression of an enzyme. Sequence modifications may include, for example, a mutation, deletion, or insertion of one or more nucleotides in a gene sequence or a sequence controlling the transcription or translation of a gene sequence, which modification results in a reduction or inhibition of production of the gene product, or renders the gene product non-functional. For example, functional deletion of fabR in E. coli reduces the repression of the fatty acid biosynthetic pathway and allows E. coli to produce more unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs). In some instances a functional deletion is described as a knock-out mutation. Other methods are available for attenuating expression of an enzyme. For example, attenuation can be accomplished by modifying the sequence encoding the gene as described above; placing the gene under the control of a less active promoter, expressing interfering RNAs, ribozymes, or antisense sequences that target the gene of interest; by changing the physical or chemical environment, such as temperature, pH, or solute concentration, such that the optimal activity of the gene or gene product is not realized; or through any other techniques known in the art.

The term “biocrude” refers to a biofuel that can be used as a substitute of petroleum-based fuels. In addition, biocrude, like petroleum crude, can be converted into other fuels, for example gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, or heating oil. Moreover, biocrude, like petroleum crude, can be converted into other industrially useful chemicals for use in, for example, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, consumer goods, industrial processes, etc. A biocrude composition can comprise, for example, hydrocarbons, hydrocarbon products, fatty acid esters, and/or aliphatic ketones, or a combination thereof. In a preferred embodiment, a biocrude composition is comprised of hydrocarbons, for example, aliphatic (e.g., alkanes, alkenes, alkynes) or aromatic hydrocarbons.

The term “biodiesel” refers to a particular kind of biofuel that can be used in diesel engines. Biodiesel can be a substitute for traditional diesel, which is typically derived from petroleum. Biodiesel can be used in internal combustion diesel engines in either a pure form, which is referred to as “neat” biodiesel, or as a mixture in any concentration with a petroleum-based diesel. A biodiesel composition can also comprise various suitable additives. Biodiesel can be comprised of hydrocarbons or esters. In one embodiment, biodiesel is comprised of fatty esters, such as fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) or fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEE). In a preferred embodiment, these FAME and FAEE are comprised of fatty acyl moieties having a carbon chain length of about 8-20, 10-18, or 12-16. Fatty esters used as biodiesel may contain carbon chains that are straight, branched, saturated, or unsaturated.

The term “biofuel” refers to any fuel derived from biomass. Biomass is a biological material that can be converted into a biofuel. One exemplary source of biomass is plant matter. For example, corn, sugar cane, and switchgrass can be used as biomass. Another non-limiting example of biomass is animal matter, for example cow manure. Biomass also includes waste products from industry, agriculture, forestry, and households. Examples of such waste products include, without limitation, fermentation waste, straw, lumber, sewage, garbage and food leftovers and glycerol. Biomass also includes sources of carbon, such as carbohydrates (e.g., sugars). Biofuels can be substituted for petroleum based fuels. For example, biofuels are inclusive of transportation fuels (e.g., gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, etc.), heating fuels, and electricity-generating fuels. A biofuel is a renewable energy source. Non-limiting examples of biofuels include biodiesel, hydrocarbons (e.g., alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, or aromatic hydrocarbons), and alcohols derived from biomass.

The term “carbon chain length” is defined herein as the number of carbon atoms in a carbon chain of a thioesterase substrate or a fatty acid derivative. The carbon chain length of a particular molecule is marked as C_(x), wherein the subscript “x” refers to the number of carbons in the carbon chain. As used herein, the term “long-chain” refers to those molecules that have a carbon chain of about 15 to about 20 carbons long (e.g., C₁₅, C₁₆, C₁₇, C₁₈, C₁₉, or C₂₀). The term “short-chain” refers to those molecules that have a carbon chain of about 8 to about 14 carbons long (e.g., C₈, C₉, C₁₀, C₁₁, or C₁₂).

The term “carbon source” means a substrate or compound suitable to be used as a source of carbon for prokaryotic or simple eukaryotic cell growth. Carbon sources can be in various forms, including, but not limited to polymers, carbohydrates, acids, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, amino acids, peptides, gases (e.g., CO and CO₂), and the like. These include, for example, various monosaccharides such as glucose, fructose, mannose and galactose; oligosaccharides such as fructo-oligosaccharide and galacto-oligosaccharide; polysaccharides such as xylose, and arabinose; disaccharides such as sucrose, maltose and turanose; cellulosic material such as methyl cellulose and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose; saturated or unsaturated fatty acid esters such as succinate, lactate and acetate; alcohols such as ethanol, etc., or mixtures thereof. The carbon source can additionally be a product of photosynthesis, including, but not limited to glucose. Glycerol can be an effective carbon source as well. Suitable carbon sources can be generated from any number of natural and renewable sources, including particularly biomass from agricultural, municipal and industrial waste, so long as the material can be used as a component of a fermentation to provide a carbon source. Biomass sources include corn stover, sugarcane, switchgrass, animal matter, or waste materials.

The term “chromosomal integration” means the process whereby an incoming sequence is introduced into the chromosome of a host cell. The homologous regions of the transforming DNA align with homologous regions of the chromosome. Then, the sequence between the homology boxes can be replaced by the incoming sequence in a double crossover (i.e., homologous recombination). In some embodiments of the present invention, homologous sections of an inactivating chromosomal segment of a DNA construct align with the flanking homologous regions of the indigenous chromosomal region of the microbial chromosome. Subsequently, the indigenous chromosomal region is deleted by the DNA construct in a double crossover.

The term “cloud point” refers to the temperature of a liquid at which the dissolved solids are no longer completely soluble, precipitating as a second phase and giving the fluid a cloudy appearance. This term is relevant to a number of applications with somewhat or completely different consequences. In the petroleum industry, cloud point refers to the temperature below which wax or other heavy hydrocarbons crystalize in a crude oil, refined oil or fuel to form a cloudy appearance. The presence of solidified wax influences the flowing behavior of the fluid, raising the tendency to clog fuel filters/injectors and other machine parts, causing accumulation of wax on cold surfaces (e.g., on pipeline surfaces or heat exchanger surfaces), and changing even the emulsion characteristics with water. Cloud point is an indication of the tendency of the oil to plug filters or small orifices at cold operating temperatures. The cloud point of a nonionic surfactant or glycol solution is the temperature at which the mixture starts to separate into two or more phases, thus becoming cloudy. This behavior is characteristic of non-ionic surfactants containing polyoxyethylene chains, which can exhibit reverse solubility versus temperature behavior in water, and therefore can “cloud out” at some point as the temperature is raised. Glycols demonstrating this behavior are known as “cloud-point glycols” and are used as shale inhibitors. The cloud point is typically also affected by salinity, being generally lower in more saline fluids.

The term “cloud point lowering additive” refers to an additive that can be added to a composition to decrease or lower the cloud point of the composition, as described above.

The term “conditions that permit product production” refers to any fermentation conditions that allow a production host to produce a desired product, such as acyl-CoA or fatty acid derivatives including, for example, fatty acids, hydrocarbons, fatty alcohols, waxes, or fatty esters. Fermentation conditions usually comprise many parameters. Exemplary conditions include, but are not limited to, temperature ranges, levels of aeration, pH ranges, and media composition (e.g., solvents and solutes). Each of these conditions, individually and in combination, allows the production host to grow. Exemplary media include broths or gels. Generally, a suitable medium includes a carbon source, such as glucose, fructose, cellulose, or the like, which can be metabolized by the microorganism directly. In addition, enzymes can be used in the medium to facilitate the mobilization (e.g., the depolymerization of starch or cellulose to fermentable sugars) and subsequent metabolism of the carbon source. To determine if the culture conditions are suitable for product production, the production host can be cultured for about 4, 8, 12, 24, 36, 48, or 72 hours. During culturing or after culturing, samples can be obtained and analyzed to determine if the culture conditions permit product production. For example, the production hosts in the sample or the medium in which the production hosts were grown can be tested for the presence of the desired product. When testing for the presence of a product, assays, such as, but not limited to, TLC, HPLC, GC/FID, GC/MS, LC/MS, MS, as well as those provided in the examples herein, can be used.

The term “consensus sequence” or “canonical sequence” refers to an archetypical amino acid sequence against which all variants of a particular protein or sequence of interest are compared. Either term also refers to a sequence that sets forth the nucleotides that are most often present in a polynucleotide sequence of interest. For each position of a protein, the consensus sequence gives the amino acid that is most abundant in that position in the sequence alignment.

As used herein, the term “consensus mutation” refers to a difference in the sequence of a starting gene and a consensus sequence. Consensus mutations are identified by comparing the sequences of the starting gene and the consensus sequence resulting from a sequence alignment. In some embodiments, consensus mutations are introduced into the starting gene such that it becomes more similar to the consensus sequence. Consensus mutations also include amino acid changes that change an amino acid in a starting gene to an amino acid that is more frequently found in a multiple sequence alignment (MSA) at that position relative to the frequency of that amino acid in the starting gene. Thus, the term “consensus mutation” refers to any amino acid change that replaces an amino acid of the starting gene with an amino acid that is more abundant in the MSA than the native amino acid.

The term “conservative substitutions” or “conserved substitutions” refers to, for example, a substitution wherein one or more of the following amino acid substitutions are made: replacement of an aliphatic amino acid, such as alanine, valine, leucine, and isoleucine, with another aliphatic amino acid; replacement of a serine with a threonine; replacement of a threonine with a serine; replacement of an acidic residue, such as aspartic acid and glutamic acid, with another acidic residue; replacement of a residue bearing an amide group, such as asparagine and glutamine, with another residue bearing an amide group; exchange of a basic residue, such as histidine, lysine and arginine, with another basic residue; and replacement of an aromatic residue, such as tryptophan, phenylalanine and tyrosine, with another aromatic residue; or replacement of small amino acids, such as glycine, alanine, serine, threonine and methionine, with another small amino acid. Amino acid substitutions which do not generally alter the specific activity are known in the art and are described, for example, by H. Neurath and R. L. Hill, in The Proteins, Academic Press, New York, 1979. Useful conservative modifications include Alanine to Cysteine, Glycine, or Serine; Arginine to Isoleucine, Lysine, Methionine, or Ornithin; Asparagine to Aspartic acid, Glutamine, Glutamic acid, or Histidine; Aspartic acid to Asparagine, Glutamine, or Glutamic acid; Cysteine to Methionine, Serine, or Threonine; Glutamine to Asparagine, Aspartic acid, or Glutamic acid; Glutamic acid to Asparagine, Aspartic acid, or Glatmine; Glycine to Aspartic acid, Alanine, or Proline; Histidine to Asparagine, or Glutamine; Isoleucine to Leucine, Methionine, or Valine; Leucine to Isoleucine, Methionine, or Valine; Lysine to Arginine, Glutamine, Glutamic acid, Isoleucine, Methionine, or Ornithin; Methionine to Cysteine, Isoleucine, Leucine, or Valine; Phenylalanine to Histidine, L-Dopa, Leucine, Methionine, Threonine, Tryptophan, Tyrosine, 3-phenylproline, 4-phenylproline, or 5-phenylproline; Proline to L-1-thioazolidine-4-carboxylic acid or D- or L-1-oxazolidine-4-carboxylic acid; Serine to Cysteine, Methionine, or Threonine; Threonine to Methionine, Serine, or Valine; Tryptophan to Tyrosine; Tyrosine to L-Dopa, Histidine, or Phenylalanine; and Valine to Isoleucine, Leucine, or Methionine.

The term “corresponds to” refers to an amino acid residue in a first protein sequence being positionally equivalent to an amino acid residue in a second reference protein sequence by virtue of the fact that the residue in the first protein sequence lines up with the residue in the reference sequence using bioinformatic techniques, for example, using the methods described herein for preparing a sequence alignment. The corresponding residue in the first protein sequence is then assigned the residue number in the second reference protein sequence. The first protein sequence can be analogous to the second protein sequence or non-analogous to the second protein sequence, although it is preferred that the two protein sequences are analogous sequences. For example, when the amino acid sequence of an E. coli ‘TesA, SEQ ID NO:31 in FIG. 58, is used as a reference sequence, each of the amino acid residues in another aligned protein of interest or an analogous protein can be assigned a residue number corresponding to the residue numbers 1-182 of SEQ ID NO:31. For example, in FIG. 47, the aligned amino acid sequences are referenced or corresponded to the sequence of an E. coli ‘TesA. Accordingly, a given position in another thioesterase of interest, either a precursor or a mutant thioesterase, can be assigned a corresponding position in the ‘TesA sequence, using known bioinformatic techniques such as those described herein.

The term “deletion,” when used in the context of an amino acid sequence, means a deletion in or a removal of a residue from the amino acid sequence of a precursor protein, resulting in a mutant protein having one less amino acid residue as compared to the precursor protein. The term can also be used in the context of a nucleotide sequence, which means a deletion in or removal of a residue from the polynucleotide sequence of a precursor polynucleotide.

The term “derived from” and “obtained from” refer to, in the context of a precursor thioesterase, a thioesterase produced or producible by a strain of the organism in question, and also a thioesterase encoded by a polynucleotide sequence isolated from such strain and produced in a host organism containing such a polynucleotide sequence. Additionally, the terms refer to a thioesterase that is encoded by a polynucleotide sequence of synthetic and/or cDNA origin and that has the identifying characteristics of the thioesterase in question. To exemplify, “thioesterases derived from Enterobacteriacaea” refers to those enzymes having thioesterase activity that are naturally produced by Enterobacteriacaea, as well as to thioesterases like those produced by Enterobacteriacaea sources but that, through the use of genetic engineering techniques, are produced by non-Enterobacteriocaea organisms transformed with a polynucleotide encoding said thioesterase.

The term “DNA construct” and “transforming DNA” are used interchangeably herein to refer to a DNA used to introduce sequences into a host cell or organism. Typically a DNA construct is generated in vitro by PCR or other suitable technique(s) known to those in the art. In certain embodiments, the DNA construct comprises a sequence of interest (e.g., an incoming sequence). In some embodiments, the sequence is operably linked to additional elements such as control elements (e.g., promoters, etc.). A DNA construct can further comprise a selectable marker. It can also comprise an incoming sequence flanked by homology boxes. In a further embodiment, the DNA construct comprises other non-homologous sequences, added to the ends (e.g., stuffer sequences or flanks). In some embodiments, the ends of the incoming sequence are closed such that the DNA construct forms a closed circle. The transforming sequences may be wildtype, mutant or modified. In some embodiments, the DNA construct comprises sequences homologous to the host cell chromosome. In other embodiments, the DNA construct comprises non-homologous sequences. Once the DNA construct is assembled in vitro it may be used to: 1) insert heterologous sequences into a desired target sequence of a host cell; 2) mutagenize a region of the host cell chromosome (i.e., replace an endogenous sequence with a heterologous sequence); 3) delete target genes; and/or (4) introduce a replicating plasmid into the host.

A polynucleotide is said to “encode” an RNA or a polypeptide if, in its native state or when manipulated by methods known to those of skill in the art, it can be transcribed and/or translated to produce the RNA, the polypeptide, or a fragment thereof. The antisense strand of such a polynucleotide is also said to encode the RNA or polypeptide sequences. As is known in the art, a DNA can be transcribed by an RNA polymerase to produce an RNA, and an RNA can be reverse transcribed by reverse transcriptase to produce a DNA. Thus a DNA can encode an RNA, and vice versa.

The phrase “equivalent,” in this context, refers to thioesterase enzymes that are encoded by a polynucleotide capable of hybridizing to the polynucleotide having the sequence of SEQ ID NO:31 in FIG. 58, under conditions of medium to maximum stringency. For example, being equivalent means that an equivalent mature thioesterase comprises at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, and/or at least 99% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:31 in FIG. 58.

An “ester synthase” is a peptide capable of catalyzing a biochemical reaction to producing esters. For example, an ester synthase is a peptide that is capable of participating in converting a thioester to a fatty ester. In certain embodiments, an ester synthase converts a thioester, acyl-CoA, to a fatty ester. In an alternate embodiment, an ester synthase uses a thioester and an alcohol as substrates to produce a fatty ester. Ester synthases are capable of using short and long chain acyl-CoAs as substrates. In addition, ester synthases are capable of using short and long chain alcohols as substrates. Non-limiting examples of ester synthases include wax synthases, wax-ester synthases, acyl-CoA: alcohol transacylases, acyltransferases, fatty acyl-coenzyme A:fatty alcohol acyltransferases, fatty acyl-ACP transacylase, and alcohol acetyltransferase. An ester synthase that converts an acyl-CoA thioester to a wax is called a wax synthase. Exemplary ester synthases include those classified under the enzyme classification number EC 2.3.1.75. The term “ester synthase” does not comprise enzymes that also have thioesterase activity. The ones that have both ester synthase activity and thioesterase activity are categorized as thioesterases herein.

The term “expressed genes” refers to genes that are transcribed into messenger RNA (mRNA) and then translated into protein, as well as genes that are transcribed into types of RNA, such as transfer RNA (tRNA), ribosomal RNA (rRNA), and regulatory RNA, which are not translated into protein.

The terms “expression cassette” or “expression vector” refers to a polynucleotide construct generated recombinantly or synthetically, with a series of specified elements that permit transcription of a particular polynucleotide in a target cell. A recombinant expression cassette can be incorporated into a plasmid, chromosome, mitochondrial DNA, plasmid DNA, virus, or polynucleotide fragment. Typically, the recombinant expression cassette portion of an expression vector includes, among other sequences, a polynucleotide sequence to be transcribed and a promoter. In particular embodiments, expression vectors have the ability to incorporate and express heterologous polynucleotide fragments in a host cell. Many prokaryotic and eukaryotic expression vectors are commercially available. Selection of appropriate expression vectors is within the knowledge of those of skill in the art. The term “expression cassette” is also used interchangeably herein with “DNA construct,” and their grammatical equivalents.

The term “fatty acid derivative,” as used herein, refers to a composition that is derived from a metabolic pathway, which pathway includes a thioesterase reaction. Thus, fatty acid derivative products can be products that are, or are derived from, fatty acid or fatty esters that are products of a thioesterase reaction. Fatty acid derivatives thus include, for example, products that are, or that are derived from, fatty acids that are the direct reaction product of a thioesterase, and/or a fatty ester that is a direct reaction product of a thioesterase. Exemplary fatty acid derivatives include, for example, short and long chain alcohols, hydrocarbons, and fatty alcohols and esters, including waxes, fatty acid esters, and/or fatty esters. Specific non-limiting examples of fatty acid derivatives include fatty acids, fatty acid methyl esters, fatty acid ethyl esters, fatty alcohols, fatty alkyl-acetates, fatty aldehydes, fatty amines, fatty amides, fatty sulfates, fatty ethers, ketones, alkanes, internal olefins, terminal olefins, dicarboxylic acids, w-dicarboxylic acids, diols and terminal and/or internal fatty acids.

The term “fatty acid derivative enzymes” refers to, collectively and individually, enzymes that may be expressed or overexpressed in the production of fatty acid derivatives. These enzymes may be parts of a fatty acid biosynthetic pathway. Non-limiting examples of fatty acid derivative synthases include fatty acid synthases, thioesterases, acyl-CoA synthases, acyl-CoA reductases, alcohol dehydrogenases, alcohol acyltransferases, fatty alcohol-forming acyl-CoA reductase, fatty acid decarbonylases, carboxylic acid reductases, fatty alcohol acetyl transferases, and ester synthases. Fatty acid derivative enzymes convert substrates into fatty acid derivatives. In certain circumstances, a suitable substrate may be a first fatty acid derivative, which is converted by a fatty acid derivative enzyme into a different, second fatty acid derivative.

The term “fatty alcohol” refers to an alcohol having the formula ROH. In certain embodiments, a fatty alcohol is an alcohol made from a fatty acid or fatty acid derivative. In one embodiment, the R group is at least about 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 carbons in length. R can be straight or branched chain. The branched chains may have one or more points of branching. In addition, the branched chains may include cyclic branches, such as cyclopropane or epoxide moieties. Furthermore, R can be saturated or unsaturated. If unsaturated, R can have one or more points of unsaturation. In one embodiment, the fatty alcohol is produced biosynthetically. Fatty alcohols have many uses. For example, fatty alcohols can be used to produce specialty chemicals. Specifically, fatty alcohols can be used as biofuels; as solvents for fats, waxes, gums, and resins; in pharmaceutical salves, emollients and lotions; as lubricating-oil additives; in detergents and emulsifiers; as textile antistatic and finishing agents; as plasticizers; as nonionic surfactants; and in cosmetics, for example as thickeners.

The term“fatty alcohol forming peptides” refers to peptides capable of catalyzing the conversion of acyl-CoA to fatty alcohol, including fatty alcohol forming acyl-CoA reductase (FAR, EC 1.1.1.*), acyl-CoA reductase (EC 1.2.1.50) or alcohol dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.1). Additionally, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that some fatty alcohol forming peptides will catalyze other reactions as well. For example, some acyl-CoA reductase peptides will accept substrates other than fatty acids. Such non-specific peptides are, therefore, also included. Polynucleotide sequences encoding fatty alcohol forming peptides are known in the art and such peptides are publicly available.

The term “fatty aldehyde” refers to an aldehyde having the formula RCHO characterized by an unsaturated carbonyl group (C═O). In certain embodiments, a fatty aldehyde is an aldehyde made from a fatty acid or fatty acid derivative. In one embodiment, the R group is at least about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 carbons in length. R can be straight or branched chain. The branched chains may have one or more points of branching. In addition, the branched chains can be cyclic branches. Furthermore, R can be saturated or unsaturated. If unsaturated, R can have one or more points of unsaturation. In one embodiment, the fatty aldehyde is produced biosynthetically. Fatty aldehydes have many uses. For example, fatty aldehydes can be used to produce specialty chemicals. Specifically, fatty aldehydes can be used to produce polymers, resins, dyes, flavorings, plasticizers, perfumes, pharmaceuticals, and other chemicals. Some are used as solvents, preservatives, or disinfectants. Some natural and synthetic compounds, such as vitamins and hormones, are also aldehydes.

The terms “fatty aldehyde biosynthetic polypeptide,” “carboxylic acid reductase,” and “CAR” are used interchangeably herein.

The term “fatty ester” refers to an ester having greater than 5 carbon atoms. In certain embodiments, a fatty ester is an ester made from a fatty acid, for example a fatty acid ester. In one embodiment, a fatty ester contains an A side (i.e., the carbon chain attached to the carboxylate oxygen) and a B side (i.e., the carbon chain comprising the parent carboxylate). In a particular embodiment, when a fatty ester is derived from the fatty acid biosynthetic pathway, the A side is contributed by an alcohol, and the B side is contributed by a fatty acid. Any alcohol can be used to form the A side of the fatty esters. For example, the alcohol can be derived from the fatty acid biosynthetic pathway. Alternatively, the alcohol can be produced through non-fatty acid biosynthetic pathways. Moreover, the alcohol can be provided exogenously. For example, the alcohol can be supplied to the fermentation broth in instances where the fatty ester is produced by an organism. Alternatively, a carboxylic acid, such as a fatty acid or acetic acid, can be supplied exogenously in instances where the fatty ester is produced by an organism that can also produce alcohol. The carbon chains comprising the A side or B side can be of any length. In one embodiment, the A side of the ester is at least about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, or 20 carbons in length. The B side of the ester is at least about 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, or 26 carbons in length. The A side and/or the B side can be straight or branched chain. The branched chains may have one or more points of branching. In addition, the branched chains may include cyclic branches, such as cyclopropane or epoxide moieties. Furthermore, the A side and/or B side can be saturated or unsaturated. If unsaturated, the A side and/or B side can have one or more points of unsaturation. In one embodiment, the fatty ester is produced biosynthetically. In this embodiment, first the fatty acid is “activated.” Non-limiting examples of activated fatty acids are acyl-CoA, acyl ACP, acyl-AMP, and acyl phosphate. Acyl-CoA can be a direct product of fatty acid biosynthesis or degradation. In addition, acyl-CoA can be synthesized from a free fatty acid, a CoA, and an adenosine nucleotide triphosphate (ATP). An example of an enzyme that produces acyl-CoA is an acyl-CoA synthase. After the fatty acid is activated, it can be readily transferred to a recipient nucleophile. Exemplary nucleophiles are alcohols, thiols, amines, or phosphates. In another embodiment, the fatty ester can be derived from a fatty acyl-thioester and an alcohol. In one embodiment, the fatty ester is a wax. The wax can be derived from a long chain fatty alcohol and a long chain fatty acid. In another embodiment, the fatty ester is a fatty acid thioester, for example fatty acyl Coenzyme A (acyl-CoA). In other embodiments, the fatty ester is a fatty acyl panthothenate, an acyl acyl carrier protein (acyl-ACP), a fatty acyl enzyme ester, or a fatty phosphate ester. An ester can be formed from an acyl enzyme ester intermediate through the alcoholysis of the ester bond to form a new ester and the free enzyme. Fatty esters have many uses. For example, fatty esters can be used as, or as a component of, a biofuel or a surfactant.

The term “fatty ester vs. other fatty acid derivatives” as used herein refers to the proportional yield of fatty ester in comparison with the total amount of other fatty acid derivatives that are not fatty esters. In other words, the amount of fatty esters is compared with the amount of fatty acid derivatives other than fatty esters.

The term “fermentation productivity” or “productivity” refers to the rate of product production and is expressed g L⁻¹h⁻¹. Specific Productivity is the productivity normalized for catalyst concentration and is expressed as g/g L⁻¹h⁻¹ g (catalyst)⁻¹.

The term “fermentation titer” or “titer” refers to the concentration of a reaction product, usually expressed as g/L but also in other units (i.e., molar, mass/mass, mass/volume, or volume/volume).

The term “fermentation yield” or “yield” refers to the amount of product produced from a given amount of raw material and is usually expressed as the ratio of mass of the product produced divided by the mass of raw material consumed (g product/g raw material). It can also be expressed a molar yield (moles product/moles raw material).

The term “fraction of modern carbon” refers to the parameter “f_(M)” as defined by National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Standard Reference Materials (SRMs) 4990B and 4990C, known as oxalic acids standards HOxI and HOxII, respectively. The fundamental definition relates to 0.95 times the ¹⁴C/¹²C isotope ratio HOxI (referenced to AD 1950). This is roughly equivalent to decay-corrected pre-Industrial Revolution wood. For the current living biosphere (plant material), f_(M) is about 1.1.

The term “functional assay” refers to an assay that provides an indication of a protein's activity. In particularly preferred embodiments, the term refers to an assay system in which a protein is analyzed for its ability to function in its natural capacity. For example, in the case of enzymes, a functional assay involves determining the effectiveness of the enzyme in catalyzing a reaction.

“Gene” refers to a polynucleotide (e.g., a DNA segment), which encodes a polypeptide, and includes regions preceding and following the coding regions as well as intervening sequences (introns) between individual coding segments (exons).

The term “homologous genes” refers to a pair of genes from different but related species, which correspond to each other and which are identical or similar to each other. The term encompasses genes that are separated by the speciation process during the development of new species) (e.g., orthologous genes), as well as genes that have been separated by genetic duplication (e.g., paralogous genes).

The term “endogenous protein” refers to a protein that is native to or naturally occurring in a cell. “Endogeneous polynucleotide” refers to a polynucleotide that is in the cell and was not introduced into the cell using recombinant engineering techniques. For example, a gene that was present in the cell when the cell was originally isolated from nature. A gene is still considered endogenous if the control sequences, such as a promoter or enhancer sequences that activate transcription or translation, have been altered through recombinant techniques. Conversely, the term “heterologous” is also used herein, and refers to a protein or a polynucleotide that does not naturally occur in a host cell.

The term “homologous recombination” refers to the exchange of DNA fragments between two DNA molecules or paired chromosomes at sites of identical or nearly identical nucleotide sequences. In certain embodiments, chromosomal integration is homologous recombination.

The term “homologous sequences” as used herein refers to a polynucleotide or polypeptide sequence having, for example, about 100%, about 99% or more, about 98% or more, about 97% or more, about 96% or more, about 95% or more, about 94% or more, about 93% or more, about 92% or more, about 91% or more, about 90% or more, about 88% or more, about 85% or more, about 80% or more, about 75% or more, about 70% or more, about 65% or more, about 60% or more, about 55% or more, about 50% or more, about 45% or more, or about 40% or more sequence identity to another polynucleotide or polypeptide sequence when optimally aligned for comparison. In particular embodiments, homologous sequences can retain the same type and/or level of a particular activity of interest. In some embodiments, homologous sequences have between 85% and 100% sequence identity, whereas in other embodiments there is between 90% and 100% sequence identity. In particular embodiments, there is 95% and 100% sequence identity.

“Homology” refers to sequence similarity or sequence identity. Homology is determined using standard techniques known in the art (see, e.g., Smith and Waterman, Adv. Appl. Math., 2:482, 1981; Needleman and Wunsch, J. Mol. Biol., 48:443, 1970; Pearson and Lipman, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 85:2444, 1988; programs such as GAP, BESTFIT, FASTA, and TFASTA in the Wisconsin Genetics Software Package (Genetics Computer Group, Madison, Wis.); and Devereux et al., Nucl. Acid Res., 12:387-395, 1984). A non-limiting example includes the use of the BLAST program (Altschul et al., Gapped BLAST and PSI-BLAST: a new generation of protein database search programs, Nucleic Acids Res. 25:3389-3402, 1997) to identify sequences that can be said to be “homologous.” A recent version such as version 2.2.16, 2.2.17, 2.2.18, 2.2.19, or the latest version, including sub-programs such as blastp for protein-protein comparisons, blastn for nucleotide-nucleotide comparisons, tblastn for protein-nucleotide comparisons, or blastx for nucleotide-protein comparisons, and with parameters as follows: Maximum number of sequences returned 10,000 or 100,000; E-value (expectation value) of 1e-2 or 1e-5, word size 3, scoring matrix BLOSUM62, gap cost existence 11, gap cost extension 1, may be suitable. An E-value of 1e-5, for example, indicates that the chance of a homologous match occurring at random is about 1 in 10,000, thereby marking a high confidence of true homology.

The term “host strain” or “host cell” refers to a suitable host for an expression vector comprising a DNA of the present invention.

The term “hybridization” refers to the process by which a strand of polynucleotide joins with a complementary strand through base pairing, as known in the art. A polynucleotide sequence is considered to be “selectively hybridizable” to a reference polynucleotide sequence if the two sequences specifically hybridize to one another under moderate to high stringency hybridization and wash conditions. Hybridization conditions are based on the melting temperature (T_(m)) of the polynucleotide binding complex or probe. For example, “maximum stringency” typically occurs at about T_(m)−5° C. (5° C. below the T_(m) of the probe); “high stringency” at about 5-10° C. below the T_(m); “intermediate stringency” at about 10-20° C. below the T_(m) of the probe; and “low stringency” at about 20-25° C. below the T_(m). Functionally, maximum stringency conditions may be used to identify sequences having strict identity or near-strict identity with the hybridization probe; while an intermediate or a low stringency hybridization can be used to identify or detect polynucleotide sequence homologs. Moderate and high stringency hybridization conditions are well known in the art. An example of high stringency conditions includes hybridization at about 42° C. in 50% formamide, 5×SSC, 5×Denhardt's solution, 0.5% SDS and 100 pg/mL denatured carrier DNA followed by washing two times in 2×SSC and 0.5% SDS at room temperature and two additional times in 0.1×SSC and 0.5% SDS at 42° C. An example of moderate stringent conditions includes an overnight incubation at 37° C. in a solution comprising 20% formamide, 5×SSC (150 mM NaCl, 15 mM trisodium citrate), 50 mM sodium phosphate (pH 7.6), 5×Denhardt's solution, 10% dextran sulfate and 20 mg/mL denaturated sheared salmon sperm DNA, followed by washing the filters in 1×SSC at about 37° C. to about 50° C. Those of skill in the art know how to adjust the temperature, ionic strength, and other conditions as necessary to accommodate factors such as probe length and the like.

The term “hydrocarbon” refers to chemical compounds that contain the elements carbon (C) and hydrogen (H). All hydrocarbons consist of a carbon backbone and atoms of hydrogen attached to that backbone. Sometimes, the term is used as a shortened form of the term “aliphatic hydrocarbon.” There are essentially three types of hydrocarbons: (1) aromatic hydrocarbons, which have at least about one aromatic ring; (2) saturated hydrocarbons, also known as alkanes, which lack double, triple or aromatic bonds; and (3) unsaturated hydrocarbons, which have one or more double or triple bonds between carbon atoms and include, for example, alkenes (e.g., dienes), and alkynes.

The term “identical,” in the context of two polynucleotide or polypeptide sequences, means that the residues in the two sequences are the same when aligned for maximum correspondence, as measured using a sequence comparison or analysis algorithm such as those described herein. For example, if when properly aligned, the corresponding segments of two sequences have identical residues at 5 positions out of 10, it is said that the two sequences have a 50% identity. Most bioinformatic programs report percent identity over aligned sequence regions, which are typically not the entire molecules. If an alignment is long enough and contains enough identical residues, an expectation value can be calculated, which indicates that the level of identity in the alignment is unlikely to occur by random chance.

The term “improving mutation” or “performance-enhancing mutation” refers to a mutation in a protein that lead to altered properties, which confer improved performance in terms of a target and/or desired property of a protein as compared to a precursor protein.

The term “insertion,” when used in the context of a polypeptide sequence, refers to an insertion in the amino acid sequence of a precursor polypeptide, resulting in a mutant polypeptide having an amino acid that is inserted between two existing contiguous amino acids, i.e., adjacent amino acids residues, which are present in the precursor polypeptide. The term “insertion,” when used in the context of a polynucleotide sequence, refers to an insertion of one or more nucleotides in the precursor polynucleotide between two existing contiguous nucleotides, i.e., adjacent nucleotides, which are present in the precursor polynucleotides.

The term “introduced” refers to, in the context of introducing a polynucleotide sequence into a cell, any method suitable for transferring the polynucleotide sequence into the cell. Such methods for introduction include but are not limited to protoplast fusion, transfection, transformation, conjugation, and transduction (see, e.g., Ferrari et al., Genetics, in Hardwood et al, (eds.), Bacillus, Plenum Publishing Corp., pp. 57-72, 1989).

The term “isolated” or “purified” means a material that is removed from its original environment, for example, the natural environment if it is naturally occurring, or a fermentation broth if it is produced in a recombinant host cell fermentation medium. A material is said to be “purified” when it is present in a particular composition in a higher or lower concentration than the concentration that exists prior to the purification step(s). For example, with respect to a composition normally found in a naturally-occurring or wild type organism, such a composition is “purified” when the final composition does not include some material from the original matrix. As another example, where a composition is found in combination with other components in a recombinant host cell fermentation medium, that composition is purified when the fermentation medium is treated in a way to remove some component of the fermentation, for example, cell debris or other fermentation products, through, for example, centrifugation or distillation. As another example, a naturally-occurring polynucleotide or polypeptide present in a living animal is not isolated, but the same polynucleotide or polypeptide, separated from some or all of the coexisting materials in the natural system, is isolated, whether such process is through genetic engineering or mechanical separation. Such polynucleotides can be parts of vectors. Alternatively, such polynucleotides or polypeptides can be parts of compositions. Such polynucleotides or polypeptides can be considered “isolated” because the vectors or compositions comprising thereof are not part of their natural environments. In another example, a polynucleotide or protein is said to be purified if it gives rise to essentially one band in an electrophoretic gel or a blot.

The term “mature,” in the context of a protein, means a form of a protein or peptide that is in its final functional form. To exemplify, a mature form of a thioesterase of the present invention comprises the amino acid residues 1-182 of SEQ ID NO:31 in FIG. 58.

The term “modified fatty acid derivatives” refers to products made, at least in part, from a part of the fatty acid biosynthetic pathway of a recombinant host cell, wherein the product differs from the product made by such host cell in the absence of the mutant thioesterase of the invention. Thus, where a mutant thioesterase (or naturally-occurring equivalent thereof) is introduced into a recombinant host cell, resulting in the production of a fatty acid derivative that has a different product profile, for example, a higher or lower concentration of certain fatty acid derivatives having a specific chain length, or a higher or lower concentration of a certain type of fatty acid derivative, that fatty acid material is “modified” within the context of this invention.

The term “mutant thioesterase” or “variant thioesterase” refers to a thioesterase that comprises a mutation with reference to a precursor thioesterase.

The term “mutation” refers to, in the context of a polynucleotide, a modification to the polynucleotide sequence resulting in a change in the sequence of a polynucleotide with reference to a precursor polynucleotide sequence. A mutant polynucleotide sequence can refer to an alteration that does not change the encoded amino acid sequence, for example, with regard to codon optimization for expression purposes, or that modifies a codon in such a way as to result in a modification of the encoded amino acid sequence. Mutations can be introduced into a polynucleotide through any number of methods known to those of ordinary skill in the art, including random mutagenesis, site-specific mutagenesis, oligonucleotide directed mutagenesis, gene shuffling, directed evolution techniques, combinatorial mutagenesis, site saturation mutagenesis among others.

“Mutation” or “mutated” means, in the context of a protein, a modification to the amino acid sequence resulting in a change in the sequence of a protein with reference to a precursor protein sequence. A mutation can refer to a substitution of one amino acid with another amino acid, an insertion or a deletion of one or more amino acid residues. Specifically, a mutation can also be the replacement of an amino acid with a non-natural amino acid, or with a chemically-modified amino acid or like residues. A mutation can also be a truncation (e.g., a deletion or interruption) in a sequence or a subsequence from the precursor sequence. A mutation may also be an addition of a subsequence (e.g., two or more amino acids in a stretch, which are inserted between two contiguous amino acids in a precursor protein sequence) within a protein, or at either terminal end of a protein, thereby increasing the length of (or elongating) the protein. A mutation can be made by modifying the DNA sequence corresponding to the precursor protein. Mutations can be introduced into a protein sequence by known methods in the art, for example, by creating synthetic DNA sequences that encode the mutation with reference to precursor proteins, or chemically altering the protein itself. A “mutant” as used herein is a protein comprising a mutation. For example, it is also possible to make a mutant by replacing a portion of a thioesterase with a wild type sequence that corresponds to such portion but includes a desired variation at a specific position that is naturally-occurring in the wild type sequence.

A “naturally-occurring equivalent,” in the context of the present invention, refers to a naturally-occurring thioesterase, or a portion thereof, that comprises a naturally-occurring residue, wherein the naturally-occurring residue corresponds to a mutation in ‘TesA (e.g., a mutation in SEQ ID NO:31 of FIG. 58) that has introduced a desirable altered property to ‘TesA. Examples of naturally-occurring equivalent thioesterases having such modifications are provided in FIG. 55.

The term “operably linked,” in the context of a polynucleotide sequence, refers to the placement of one polynucleotide sequence into a functional relationship with another polynucleotide sequence. For example, a DNA encoding a secretory leader (e.g., a signal peptide) is operably linked to a DNA encoding a polypeptide if it is expressed as a preprotein that participates in the secretion of the polypeptide. A promoter or an enhancer is operably linked to a coding sequence if it affects the transcription of the sequence. A ribosome binding site is operably linked to a coding sequence if it is positioned so as to facilitate translation. Generally, “operably linked” means that the DNA sequences being linked are contiguous, and, in the case of a secretory leader, contiguous and in the same reading frame.

The term “operon region” refers to a group of contiguous genes that are transcribed as a single transcription unit from a common promoter, and are thereby subject to co-regulation. In some embodiments, the operon includes a regulator gene.

The term “optimal alignment” refers to the alignment giving the highest overall alignment score.

The term “orthologs” or “orthologous genes” refers to genes in different species that have evolved from a common ancestral gene by speciation. Typically, orthologs retain the same function during the course of evolution. Identification of orthologs finds use in the reliable prediction of gene function in newly sequenced genomes.

“Overexpressed” or “overexpression” in a host cell occurs if the enzyme is expressed in the cell at a higher level than the level at which it is expressed in a corresponding wild-type cell.

The term “paralog” or “paralogous genes” refers to genes that are related by duplication within a genome. While orthologs retain the same function through the course of evolution, paralogs evolve new functions, even though some functions are often related to the original one. Examples of paralogous genes include, but are not limited to, genes encoding myoglobin and hemoglobin, which arose from the same ancient ancestor but evolved to have different functions.

The term “partition coefficient” means the equilibrium concentration of a compound in an organic phase divided by the concentration at equilibrium in an aqueous phase (e.g., in a fermentation broth). In one embodiment of the bi-phasic system described herein, the organic phase is formed by the fatty acid derivative during the production process. In certain circumstances, an organic phase can also be provided, for example, a layer of octane can be provided to the fermentation broth to facilitate product separation. When describing a two phase system, the partition coefficient, P, is usually discussed in terms of log P. A compound with a log P of 1 would partition 10:1 to the organic phase. A compound with a log P of −1 would partition 1:10 to the organic phase. By choosing an appropriate fermentation broth and organic phase, a fatty acid derivative with a high log P value will separate into the organic phase even at very low concentrations in the fermentation vessel.

The terms “percent sequence identity,” “percent amino acid sequence identity,” “percent gene sequence identity,” and/or “percent polynucleotide sequence identity,” with respect to two polypeptides, polynucleotides and/or gene sequences (as appropriate), refer to the percentage of residues that are identical in the two sequences when the sequences are optimally aligned. Thus, 80% amino acid sequence identity means that 80% of the amino acids in two optimally aligned polypeptide sequences are identical.

The term “plasmid” refers to a circular double-stranded (ds) DNA construct used as a cloning vector, and which forms an extrachromosomal self-replicating genetic element in some eukaryotes or prokaryotes, or integrates into the host chromosome.

The term “precursor thioesterase” refers a thioesterase protein from which the mutant thioesterase of the invention can be derived, through, for example, recombinant or chemical means. Examples of precursor thioesterases are naturally-occurring or wildtype thioesterases from plant, animal or microbial sources. A precursor thioesterase can also be a thioesterase that is non-naturally-occurring. An example of a non-naturally-occurring thioesterase is a thioesterase made through, for example, random mutation, chemical synthesis, molecular evolution, or site directed mutagenesis, which can serve as a useful starting point from which to design and/or make the mutant thioesterases of the invention.

A “primer” is an oligonucleotide, whether occurring naturally as in a purified restriction digest sample, or produced synthetically, which is capable of acting as a point of initiation of synthesis when placed under conditions in which the synthesis of a primer extension product that is complementary to a reference polynucleotide strand is induced. Suitable conditions include, for example, the presence of nucleotides and an inducing agent such as a DNA polymerase, and a suitable temperature and pH. A primer is preferably single stranded for maximum efficiency in amplification, but can alternatively be double stranded. If double stranded, a primer can be first treated to separate its strands before it is used to prepare extension products. In particular embodiments, a primer is an oligodeoxyribonucleotide. In certain preferred embodiments, a primer is sufficiently long to prime the synthesis of extension products in the presence of an inducing agent. The exact lengths of primers will depend on a number of factors, including temperature, source of primer, and the methods used for amplification.

The term “probe” refers to an oligonucleotide, whether occurring naturally as in a purified restriction digest or produced synthetically, recombinantly or by PCR amplification, which is capable of hybridizing to another oligonucleotide of interest. A probe may be single-stranded or double-stranded. Probes are useful in the detection, identification and isolation of particular gene sequences. It is contemplated that any probe used in the present invention will be labeled with any “reporter molecule,” so that is detectable in any detection system, including, but not limited to enzyme (e.g., ELISA or other enzyme-based histochemical assays), fluorescent, radioactive, and luminescent systems. It is not intended that the present invention be limited to any particular detection system or label.

A “production host” is a cell used to produce products. As disclosed herein, a production host is modified to express or overexpress selected genes, or to have attenuated expression of selected genes. Non-limiting examples of production hosts include plant, animal, human, bacteria, yeast, cyanobacteria, algae, and/or filamentous fungi cells.

A “promoter” is a polynucleotide sequence that functions to direct transcription of a downstream gene. In preferred embodiments, the promoter is appropriate to the host cell in which the target gene is being expressed. The promoter, together with other transcriptional and translational regulatory polynucleotide sequences (also termed “control sequences”) is necessary to express a given gene. In general, the transcriptional and translational regulatory sequences include, but are not limited to, promoter sequences, ribosomal binding sites, transcriptional start and stop sequences, translational start and stop sequences, and enhancer or activator sequences.

The term “promoters” or “enhancers” refers to transcriptional control signals in eukaryotes. Promoters and enhancers consist of short arrays of DNA sequences that interact specifically with cellular proteins involved in transcription (Maniatis et al., Science, 236:1237, 1987). Promoter and enhancer elements have been isolated from a variety of eukaryotic sources including genes in yeast, insect, mammalian and plant cells. Promoter and enhancer elements have also been isolated from viruses. Analogous control elements, such as promoters and enhancers, are also found in prokaryotes. The selection of a particular promoter and enhancer depends on the cell type used to express the protein of interest. Some eukaryotic and prokaryotic promoters and enhancers have a broad production host cell range while others are functional in a limited subset of production host cells (see, e.g., Voss et al., Trends Biochem. Sci., 11:287, 1986; Maniatis et al., 1987, supra). The term “promoter element,” “promoter,” or “promoter sequence” refers to a DNA sequence that functions as a switch which activates the expression of a gene. If the gene is activated, it is said to be transcribed, or participating in transcription. Transcription involves the synthesis of mRNA from the gene. The promoter, therefore, serves as a transcriptional regulatory element and also provides a site for initiation of transcription of the gene into mRNA.

The term “property” refers to, in the context of a polynucleotide, any characteristic or attribute of a polynucleotide that can be selected or detected. These properties include, but are not limited to, a property affecting binding to a polypeptide, a property conferred on a cell comprising a particular polynucleotide, a property affecting gene transcription (e.g., promoter strength, promoter recognition, promoter regulation, enhancer function), a property affecting RNA processing (e.g., RNA splicing, RNA stability, RNA conformation, and post-transcriptional modification), a property affecting translation (e.g., level, regulation, binding of mRNA to ribosomal proteins, post-translational modification). For example, a binding site for a transcription factor, polymerase, regulatory factor, and the like, of a polynucleotide may be altered to produce desired characteristics or to identify undesirable characteristics.

The term “property” refers to, in the context of a protein, any characteristic or attribute of a protein that can be selected or detected.

The terms “protein” and “polypeptide” are used interchangeably herein. The 3-letter code as well as the 1-letter code for amino acid residues as defined in conformity with the IUPAC-IUB Joint Commission on Biochemical Nomenclature (JCBN) is used throughout this disclosure. It is also understood that a polypeptide may be coded for by more than one polynucleotide sequence due to the degeneracy of the genetic code. An enzyme is a protein.

The terms “proportional yield” and “percentage yield” are used interchangeably herein. It refers to the amount of a desired product in relation to other products that are within the same mixture produced by a recombinant host of the present invention. For example, the proportional yield of a desired product can be improved such that it is more predominant over the other components in the product mixture to reduce the burden of purification. In another example, the proportional yield of an undesired product (i.e., a component that will need to be removed from the desired product) can be reduced such that it is less predominant over the desired component in the product mixture to achieve the same end. Proportional yields are expressed herein in the form of “X vs. other fatty acid derivatives,” which compares the amount of X, which is a type of fatty acid derivative (e.g., a fatty ester, a fatty acid derivative of a particular chain length), and the term “other fatty acid derivatives” means the aggregate amount of all other fatty acid derivatives other than X that are produced in the same experiment, culture, or fermentation run.

The term “prosequence” refers to an amino acid sequence between the signal sequence and mature protein that is necessary for the secretion of the protein. Cleavage of the prosequence can lead to a mature active protein/enzyme under certain circumstances and suitable conditions.

The term “recombinant,” when used to modify the term “cell” or “vector” herein, refers to a cell or a vector that has been modified by the introduction of a heterologous polynucleotide sequence, or that the cell is derived from a cell so modified. Thus, for example, recombinant cells express genes that are not found in identical form within the native (non-recombinant) form of the cells or express, as a result of deliberate human intervention, native genes that are otherwise abnormally expressed, underexpressed or not expressed at all. The terms “recombination,” “recombining,” and generating a “recombined” polynucleotide refer generally to the assembly of two or more polynucleotide fragments wherein the assembly gives rise to a chimeric polynucleotide made from the assembled parts.

The term “regulatory segment,” “regulatory sequence,” or “expression control sequence” refers to a polynucleotide sequence that is operatively linked with another polynucleotide sequence that encodes the amino acid sequence of a polypeptide chain to effect the expression of that encoded amino acid sequence. The regulatory sequence can inhibit, repress, promote, or even drive the expression of the operably-linked polynucleotide sequence encoding the amino acid sequence.

The term “selectable marker” or “selective marker” refers to a polynucleotide (e.g., a gene) capable of expression in a host cell, which allows for ease of selection of those hosts containing the vector. Examples of selectable markers include but are not limited to antimicrobial markers. Thus, the term “selectable marker” refers to a gene that provides an indication when a host cell has taken up an incoming sequence of interest or when some other reaction has taken place. Typically, selectable markers are genes that confer antimicrobial resistance or a metabolic advantage on the host cells to allow the cells containing the exogenous sequences to be distinguished from the cells that have not received the exogenous sequences. A “residing selectable marker” is one that is located on the chromosome of the microorganism to be transformed. A residing selectable marker encodes a gene that is different from the selectable marker on the transforming construct. Selective markers are known to those of skill in the art. As indicated above, suitably the marker is an antimicrobial resistant marker, including, for example, amp^(R); phleo^(R); spec^(R); kan^(R); ery^(R); tet^(R); cmp^(R); and neo^(R). See, e.g., Guerot-Fleury, Gene, 167:335-337, 1995; Palmeros et al., Gene, 247:255-264, 2000; and Trieu-Cuot et al., Gene, 23:331-341, 1983. Other markers useful in accordance with the invention include, but are not limited to, auxotrophic markers, such as tryptophan; and detection markers, such as 6-galactosidase.

The term “selectable marker-encoding nucleotide sequence” refers to a polynucleotide sequence that is capable of expression in the host cells and where the expression of the selectable marker confers to the cells containing the expressed gene the ability to grow in the presence of a corresponding selective agent or in the absence of one or more essential nutrients.

A “signal sequence” or “signal peptide” refers to a polynucleotide or amino acid sequence that participates in the secretion of the mature or precursor forms of a protein. This definition of signal sequence is a functional one, meant to include all those amino acid sequences encoded by the N-terminal portion of the protein gene, which participate in the effectuation of the secretion of protein. They are often, but not universally, bound to the N-terminal portion of a protein or to the N-terminal portion of a precursor protein. The signal sequence can be endogenous or exogenous. The signal sequence can be one that is normally associated with the protein (e.g., thioesterase), or can be one originated or derived from a gene encoding another secreted protein. An exemplary exogenous signal sequence comprises the first seven amino acid residues of the signal sequence from Bacillus subtilis subtilisin fused to the remainder of the signal sequence of the subtilisin from Bacillus lentos (ATCC 21536). Another exemplary signal sequence comprises the signal sequence for TesA that is removed to produce ‘TesA.

The term “substantially identical,” in the context of two polynucleotides or two polypeptides refers to a polynucleotide or polypeptide that comprises at least 70% sequence identity, for example, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99% sequence identity as compared to a reference sequence using the programs or algorithms (e.g., BLAST, ALIGN, CLUSTAL) using standard parameters. One indication that two polypeptides are substantially identical can be that the first polypeptide is immunologically cross-reactive with the second polypeptide. Typically, polypeptides that differ by conservative amino acid substitutions are immunologically cross-reactive. Thus, a polypeptide is substantially identical to a second polypeptide, for example, when the two peptides differ only by a conservative substitution. Another indication that two polynucleotide sequences are substantially identical is that the two molecules hybridize to each other under stringent conditions (e.g., within a range of medium to maximum stringency).

“Substantially purified” means molecules that are at least about 60% free, preferably at least about 75% free, about 80% free, about 85% free, and more preferably at least about 90% free from other components with which they are naturally associated. As used herein, the term “purified” or “to purify” also refers to the removal of contaminants from a sample. For example, the removal of contaminants can result in an increase in the percentage of fatty acid derivatives of interest in a sample. For example, after fatty acid derivatives are expressed in plant, bacterial, yeast, or mammalian production host cells, the fatty acid derivatives can be purified by, e.g., the removal of production host cell proteins. This step, also called recovery, involves separating and processing the fatty acid derivative composition such that the composition is useful in industrial applications, for example, as a fuel or a chemical. After purification, the percentage of fatty acid derivatives in the sample is increased. The term purified does not require absolute purity; rather, it is intended as a relative term. Thus, for example, a purified fatty acid derivative preparation is one in which the product is more concentrated than the product is in its environment within a cell. For example, a purified fatty ester is one that is substantially separated from cellular components (e.g., polynucleotides, lipids, carbohydrates, and other peptides) that can accompany it. In another example, a purified fatty ester preparation is one in which the fatty ester is substantially free from contaminants, such as those that might be present following fermentation. For example, a fatty ester is said to be “purified” when at least about 50% by weight of a sample is composed of the fatty ester. In another example when at least about 60%, 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% or more by weight of a sample is composed of the fatty ester.

“Substitution” means replacing an amino acid in the sequence of a precursor protein with another amino acid at a particular position, resulting in a mutant of the precursor protein. The amino acid used as a substitute can be a naturally-occurring amino acid, or can be a synthetic or non naturally-occurring amino acid.

The term “surfactants” refers to substances that are capable of reducing the surface tension of a liquid in which they are dissolved. They are typically composed of a water-soluble head and a hydrocarbon chain or tail. The water-soluble head is hydrophilic and can be either ionic or nonionic. The hydrocarbon chain is hydrophobic. Surfactants are used in a variety of products, including detergents and cleaners, and are also used as auxiliaries for textiles, leather and paper, in chemical processes, in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, in the food industry, in agriculture, and in oil recovery. In addition, they can be used to aid in the extraction and isolation of crude oils which are found in hard-to-access environments or in water emulsions. There are four types of surfactants characterized by varying uses. Anionic surfactants have detergent-like activity and are generally used for cleaning applications. Cationic surfactants contain long chain hydrocarbons and are often used to treat proteins and synthetic polymers or are components of fabric softeners and hair conditioners. Amphoteric surfactants also contain long chain hydrocarbons and are typically used in shampoos. Non-ionic surfactants are often used in cleaning products.

The term “synthase” refers to an enzyme that catalyzes a synthesis process. As used herein, the term “synthase” includes synthases and synthetases.

The term “target property” refers to a property of the starting gene that is intended to be altered.

The term “thioesterase” refers to an enzyme that has thioesterase activity. Thioesterases include thioester hydrolases, which are identified as members of Enzyme Classification E.C. 3.1.2 and are obtainable from a variety of sources. Plant thioesterases are described in, for example, Voelker and Davies, J. Bact., Vol., 176, No. 23, pp. 7320-27, 1994, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,667,997, 5,455,167. Thioesterases are also obtainable from microbial sources, such as those described in Akoh et al., Prog. Lipid Res., vol. 43, no. 6, pp. 534-52, 2004; Diczfalusy and Alexson, Arch. Biochem. Biophys., vol. 334, no. 1, pp. 104-12, 1996; Larson and Kolattukudy, Arch. Biochem. Biophys., vol. 237, no. 1, pp. 27-37, 1985; Lawson et al., Biochemistry, vol. 33, no. 32, pp. 9382-88, 1994; Lee et al., Eur. J. Biochem., vol. 184, no. 1, pp. 21-28, 1989; Naggert et al., J. Biol. Chem., vol. 266, no. 17, pp. 11044-50, 1991; Nie et al., Biochemistry, vol. 47, no. 29, pp. 7744-51, 2008; Seay and Lueking, Biochemistry, vol. 25, no. 9, pp. 2480-85, 1986; Spencer et al., J. Biol. Chem., vol. 253, no. 17, pp. 5922-26, 1978; and Zhuang et al., Biochemistry, vol. 47, no. 9, pp. 2789-96, 2008. Thioesterases are also obtainable from, for example, cyanobacterial, algal, mammalian, insect, and fungal sources. A thioesterase can have activity other than thioesterase activity, for example proteolytic activity or oxygen ester hydrolysis activity. A particularly useful thioesterase is the ‘TesA (or thioesterase I) enzyme from E. coli, which is a truncated version of the full-length TesA serine thioesterase enzyme that is described in Cho and Cronan, J. Biol. Chem., vol., 268, no. 13, pp. 9238-45, 1992. An E. coli ‘TesA polypeptide comprises 182 amino acids, and is the product of a cleavage reaction wherein the 26 amino acid leader sequence of E. coli TesA is removed. E. coli “Tes A, for example, has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:31 in FIG. 58.

The term “thioesterase activity” refers to the capacity to catalyze a thioester cleavage reaction, which usually involves the hydrolysis of a thioester at a thiol group into an acid and a thiol, but can also include a transesterification step in which a thioester bond is cleaved and a new ester bond is formed. In general, an acyl-ACP thioesterase is capable of catalyzing the hydrolytic cleavage of fatty acyl-acyl carrier protein thioesters and/or fatty acyl-coenzyme A thioesters. Examples of enzymes having thioesterase activity include acetyl-CoA hydrolase, palmitoyl-CoA hydrolase, succinyl-CoA hydrolase, formyl-CoA hydrolase, acyl-CoA hydrolase, palmitoyl-protein thioesterase, and ubiquitin thiolesterase. Thioesterase activity can be established by any of the following assays:

Acyl-CoA Hydrolysis Assay:

-   -   A Tris-HCl buffer, 0.1 M, pH 8.0; Palmitoyl-CoA, 5 μM; DTNB,         0.01 M in 0.1 M potassium phosphate buffer, pH 7.0 are used to         prepare a complete assay mixture. The assay mixture thus         contains a final concentration of 10 μmol of Tris-HCl buffer, pH         8.0, 0.05 μmol of DTNB, and 0.01 μmol of palmitoyl-CoA. The         complete assay mixture is then mixed with the thioesterase, in a         final volume of 2.0 mL.     -   The rate of cleavage of the acyl-CoA substrate is measured by         monitoring the change in absorbance at 405 nm, using a molar         extinction coefficient of 13,600 M⁻¹cm⁻¹.

In Vivo Assay:

-   -   The thioesterase of interest is expressed in a suitable host,         such as an E. coli. Following expression of the protein, the         culture is acidified with 1 N HCl to a final pH of about 2.5 and         then extracted with an equal volume of ethyl acetate. Free fatty         acids in the organic phase are derivatized with         tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH) to generate the respective         methyl esters, which are then analyzed on a gas chromatograph         equipped with a flame ionization detector.

Thiolactone Hydrolysis Assay:

-   -   A reagent solution containing 25 mM L-homocysteine thiolactone         (L-HcyT) and 0.5 mM 5,5-dithio-bis-2-nitrobenzoic acid (DTNB) in         0.1 M HEPES buffer (pH 7.3) is first prepared. Enzyme is then         added to the reagent solution and L-HcyT hydrolysis is monitored         by detecting the free thiol group with DTNB at 412 nm (c=13,600         M⁻¹cm⁻¹ for 5-thio-2-nitrobenzoic acid).

4-MU-6S-Palm-βGlc Assay:

-   -   A reaction mixture containing 10 μL of thioesterase enzyme and         20 μL of substrate solution is first prepared. The substrate         solution contains 0.64 mM MU-6S-Palm-β-Glc, 15 mM dithiothreitol         (DTT), 0.375% (w/v) Triton X-100, and 0.1 U β-glucosidase from         almonds in McIlvain's phosphate/citrate buffer, pH 4.0. The         reaction mixture is incubated for 1 hour at 37° C. Exogenous         almond β-glucosidase is added to hydrolyze the reaction         intermediate, MU-6-thio-β-glucoside, quantitatively. The         hydrolysis reaction is terminated by the addition of 200 μL of         0.5 M sodium carbonate, pH 10.7, containing 0.025% Triton X-100,         and the fluorescence of the released 4-methylumbelliferone (MU)         is measured in a fluorometer (λ_(ex)=372, λ_(em)=445 nm).

Lysophospholipase Assay:

-   -   A reaction mixture containing 10 μL of thioesterase mixed with         10 μL of 3 mM 1-oleoyl-phosphatidylethanolamine, 25 μL of 100 mM         Tris-HCl (pH 7.0), and 5 μL of 5 mM EDTA is prepared. The         reaction is terminated with the addition of 1.5 mL CHCE:CH₃OH         (1:2), followed by the addition of water to bring the total         aqueous volume to 0.9 mL. The organic phase is then analyzed by         thin layer chromatography together with suitable standards,         using plates prepared from 40 g Silica Gel H suspended in 95 mL         of 1 mM sodium tetraborate. The solvent system consists of         CHCE:CH₃OH:H₂O (95:35:5).

Protease Substrate Assay:

-   -   A reaction mixture containing 10 μL of enzyme mixed with 800 μL         12.5 mM Tris-HCl (pH 8.0) containing 0.25% Triton X-100 and 10         μL of Cbz-Phe-ONp dissolved in DMSO is prepared. The         p-nitrophenol released via cleavage of the substrate is measured         by monitoring the absorbance at 405 nm.

Fatty Acyl-PNP Hydrolysis Assay:

-   -   A reagent solution containing 2% Triton X-100 in 50 mM sodium         phosphate, pH 7.0, and 10 mM C₁₂-p-nitrophenol (acyl-PNP) in         acetone is first prepared. Then a C₁₂-PNP working solution is         prepared by mixing 600 μL 10 mM C₁₂-PNP into a 9.4-mL phosphate         buffer.     -   The assay is performed by adding 40 μL of the acyl-PNP working         solution to each well of a 96-well plate, followed by the rapid         addition of 40 μL of enzyme. The solution is mixed for 15         seconds, and the absorbance change is read at 405 nm in a         microtiter plate reader at 25° C.

Ester Formation from Thioester:

-   -   A reaction mixture containing 1.5 μM thioesterase enzyme, 100 μM         myristoyl-CoA, 10% (v/v) methanol, and 50 mM sodium phosphate,         pH 7.0 is prepared. The reaction mixture is incubated for 1 hour         at 20° C. and terminated with the addition of 1 N HCl to         decrease the pH to about 2.5. The mixture is extracted with an         equal volume of ethyl acetate and the amount of fatty ester         produced is determined via GC-MS or other standard methods such         as GC-FID, LC-MS, or thin layer chromatography.

Ester Formation from Ester:

-   -   A reaction mixture containing 1.5 μM thioesterase enzyme, 300 μM         lauroyl-CoA, 10% (v/v) methanol, and 50 mM sodium phosphate, pH         7.0 is prepared. The reaction mixture is incubated for 1 hour at         20° C. and terminated with the addition of 1 N HCl to decrease         the pH to about 2.5. The mixture is extracted with an equal         volume of ethyl acetate and the amount of lauryl ester produced         is determined via GC-MS or other standard methods such as         GC-FID, LC-MS, or thin layer chromatography.

The term “transformed” or “stably transformed” cell refers to a cell that has a non-native (heterologous) polynucleotide sequence integrated into its genome or as an episomal plasmid that is maintained for at least two generations.

The term “transport protein” refers to a protein that facilitates the movement of one or more compounds in and/or out of an organism or organelle. In some embodiments, an exogenous DNA sequence encoding an ATP-Binding Cassette (ABC) transport protein will be functionally expressed by the production host so that the production host exports the fatty acid derivative into the culture medium. ABC transport proteins are found in many organisms, such as Caenorhabditis elegans, Arabidopsis thalania, Alcaligenes eutrophus (later renamed Ralstonia eutropha), or Rhodococcus erythropolis. Non-limiting examples of ABC transport proteins include CER5, AtMRP5, AmiS2 and AtPGP1. In a preferred embodiment, the ABC transport protein is CER5 (e.g., AY734542). In other embodiments, the transport protein is an efflux protein selected from: AcrAB, TolC, or AcrEF from E. coli or tll1618, tll1619, and tll0139 from Thermosynechococcus elongatus BP-1. In further embodiments, the transport protein is a fatty acid transport protein (FATP) selected from Drosophila melanogaster, Caenorhabditis elegans, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, or Saccharomyces cerevisiae or any one of the mammalian FATPs known in the art. Transport proteins are useful, for example, for enhancing the secretion or release of products that are otherwise not capable of spontaneously secret the product. They are also useful when the engineered host cells are capable of spontaneously secret or release the product, but either release it slowly or incompletely. Under those circumstances, the transport proteins can enhance the secretion by accelerating the secretion step or driving the secretion to completion.

“Variant” is used interchangeably herein with “mutant.”

“Vector” refers to a polynucleotide construct designed to introduce polynucleotides into one or more cell types. Vectors include cloning vectors, expression vectors, shuttle vectors, plasmids, cassettes and the like. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide construct comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a thioesterase (e.g., a precursor or a mature thioesterase) that is operably linked to a suitable prosequence (e.g., a secretory pro-sequence) capable of effecting the expression of the polynucleotide or gene in a suitable host.

A “wax” is a substance comprising, at least in part, fatty esters. In certain embodiments, a fatty ester has an A side and a B side, each comprising medium to long carbon chains. In addition to fatty esters, a wax may comprise other components. For example, a wax can comprise hydrocarbons, sterol esters, aliphatic aldehydes, alcohols, ketones, beta-diketones, triacylglycerols and the like. Typically a wax is a solid at room temperature, for example, at 20° C.

“Wild-type” means, in the context of gene or protein, a polynucleotide or protein sequence that occurs in nature. In some embodiments, the wild-type sequence refers to a sequence of interest that is a starting point for protein engineering.

Production of Fatty Acid Derivatives

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the novel thioesterases of the invention are expressed in a host cell that is capable of converting a carbon source to a fatty acid derivative. The invention pertains to two distinct embodiments: (1) the discovery that a mutant thioesterase can be used to optimize and/or “design” a fatty acid derivative composition so as to make such compositions more useful and that different mutations will provide different target properties; and (2) the discovery that thioesterase will act in a recombinant host cell to directly produce fatty ester products, without the presence of a wax synthase or ester synthase enzyme.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the fatty acid derivative compositions produced in accordance with the methods, vectors, and cells herein have modified or altered properties as compared to the fatty acid derivatives produced using host cells that do not comprise the thioesterase variants of the invention. For example, as also described herein, using the thioesterases of the present invention, it is possible to develop manufacturing processes that produce fatty acid derivatives, which, in comparison with a similar process involving a wildtype thioesterase, have altered compositional profiles, for example, altered percentages of a range of or a specific carbon chain length acyl group, saturated or unsaturated acyl groups, position of unsaturations, branched acyl groups, position of branching, hydroxyl-acyl groups, keto-acyl groups, proportion of esters or free fatty acids in the product, proportion of short-chain (e.g., C₈, C₉, C₁₀, C₁₁, C₁₂, C₁₃, and/or C₁₄) vs. long-chain (e.g., C₁₅, C₁₆, C₁₇, C₁₈, C₁₉, and/or C₂₀) fatty acid derivatives, or yield of fatty acid derivatives. Accordingly, products with various desirable properties can be engineered such that they have optimized cetane numbers, octane ratings, oxidative stability, lubricity, flash points, viscosity, boiling points, melting points, pour points, cloud points, cold filter plugging points, cold flow characteristics, aromaticity, and/or iodine numbers.

Fatty acid derivatives are useful as, or as components of, biofuels and specialty chemicals. Fatty acid derivatives and products made therefrom include fuels, fuel additives, fuel blends, detergents and surfactants, nutritional supplements, polymers, paraffin replacements, lubricants, solvents, personal care products, rubber processing additives, corrosion inhibitors, emulsifiers, plastics, textiles, cosmetics, paper products, coatings, metalworking fluids, dielectrics, oiling agents and emollients. The methods and compositions disclosed herein allow for the production of fatty acid derivatives with particular branch points, levels of saturation, and carbon chain length. The methods and compositions herein also allow for the production of a higher proportion of fatty esters vs. other products, or alternatively, a lower proportion of fatty esters vs. other products, depending on whether a higher proportional or percentage yield of fatty esters or a lower proportional or percentage yield of fatty esters is desirable. Specifically, for example, the methods and compositions herein allow for the production of a larger proportion of fatty acid esters vs. free fatty acids, or in other words, allows for a higher proportional or percentage yield of fatty acid esters vs. free fatty acids. Alternatively, for example, the methods and compositions herein allow for the production of a smaller proportion of fatty acid esters vs. free fatty acids, when large amounts of fatty acid esters are undesirable. Furthermore, the methods and compositions herein allow for the production of an improved yield of fatty acid derivatives.

Non-limiting examples of microorganisms which can be used as production hosts to produce fatty acid derivatives include cyanobacteria, algae, bacteria, yeast, or filamentous fungi. Further non-limiting examples of suitable production hosts include plant, animal, or human cells.

Alcohols (short chain, long chain, branched, or unsaturated) can be produced by the production hosts described herein. Such alcohols can be used as fuels directly or they can be used to create a fatty ester. Fatty esters, alone or in combination with other fatty acid derivatives described herein, are also useful as, or as components of, fuels.

Similarly, hydrocarbons produced from the production hosts described herein can be used as, or as components of, biofuels. Such hydrocarbon-based fuels can be designed to contain branch points, defined degrees of saturation, and specific carbon lengths utilizing the teachings provided herein. When used as biofuels alone or in combination with other fatty acid derivatives, the hydrocarbons can be combined with suitable additives or other traditional fuels (e.g., alcohols, diesel derived from triglycerides, and petroleum-based fuels).

The cetane number (CN), viscosity, melting point, and heat of combustion for various fatty esters have been characterized in Knothe, Fuel Processing Technology 86:1059-1070, 2005, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. A production host can be engineered to produce any of the fatty esters described in Knothe, using the teachings provided herein.

I. Production of Fatty Acid Derivatives and Modifications for Improving Production/Yield

The production host used to produce acyl-CoA and/or fatty acid derivatives can be recombinantly modified to include polynucleotide sequences that over-express peptides. For example, the production host can be modified to increase the production of acyl-CoA and reduce the catabolism of fatty acid derivatives and intermediates in the fatty acid biosynthetic pathway, or to reduce feedback inhibition at specific points in the fatty acid biosynthetic pathway. In addition to modifying the genes described herein, additional cellular resources can be diverted to over-produce fatty acids. For example, the lactate, succinate, and/or acetate pathways can be attenuated, and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (acc) can be over-expressed. The modifications to the production host described herein can be through genomic alterations, addition of recombinant expression systems, or combinations thereof. For example, one or more endogenous thioesterases of a particular production host can be modified using suitable techniques such that the mutant thioester has at least one altered property as compared to the endogenous thioesterase precursor, or such that the host cell exhibits at least one altered property, as compared to the same host cell before it is subject to the genomic alteration steps.

The fatty acid biosynthetic pathways involved are illustrated in FIGS. 2-5. Subsections A-G below describe the steps in these pathways. Various enzymes catalyze various steps in the pathway. Accordingly, each step is a potential place for overexpression of the gene to produce more enzyme(s) and thus drive the production of more fatty acids and fatty acid derivatives. Genes encoding the enzymes required for the pathway may also be recombinantly added to a production host lacking such enzymes. Finally, steps that would compete with the pathway leading to production of fatty acids and fatty acid derivatives can be attenuated or blocked in order to increase the production of the desired products.

According to the disclosures herein, a person of ordinary skill in the art can use the thioesterases of the invention to prepare microorganisms that produce fatty acid derivatives and to manufacture various fatty acid derivatives using such microorganisms, wherein such fatty acid derivatives have altered properties. It is further possible to prepare microorganisms that produce such fatty acid derivatives more efficiently by having the desired levels of yield, productivity, or titer during fermentations.

A. Acetyl-CoA-Malonyl-CoA to Acyl-ACP

Fatty acid synthase (FAS) is a group of peptides that catalyze the initiation and elongation of acyl chains (Marrakchi et al., Biochemical Society, 30:1050-1055, 2002). The acyl carrier protein (ACP) along with the enzymes in the FAS pathway control the length, degree of saturation, and branching of the fatty acids produced. The steps in this pathway are catalyzed by enzymes of the fatty acid biosynthesis (fab) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (acc) gene families. Depending upon the desired product, one or more of these genes can be attenuated or over-expressed.

I. Fatty Acid Biosynthetic Pathway: Acetyl-CoA or Malonyl-CoA to Acyl-ACP

The fatty acid biosynthetic pathway in the production host uses the precursors acetyl-CoA and malonyl-CoA. The steps in this pathway are catalyzed by enzymes of the fatty acid biosynthesis (fab) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (acc) gene families. This pathway is described in Heath et al., Prog. Lipid Res., 40(6):467-97, 2001, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Acetyl-CoA is carboxylated by acetyl-CoA carboxylase (Acc, a multi-subunit enzyme encoded by four separate genes, accABCD) to form malonyl-CoA. The malonate group is transferred to ACP by malonyl-CoA:ACP transacylase (FabD) to form malonyl-ACP. A condensation reaction then occurs, where malonyl-ACP merges with acetyl-CoA, resulting in β-ketoacyl-ACP. β-ketoacyl-ACP synthase III (FabH) initiates the FAS cycle, while β-ketoacyl-ACP synthase I (FabB) and β-ketoacyl-ACP synthase II (FabF) are involved in subsequent cycles.

Next, a cycle of steps is repeated until a saturated fatty acid of the appropriate length is made. First, the β-ketoacyl-ACP is reduced by NADPH to form β-hydroxyacyl-ACP. This step is catalyzed by β-ketoacyl-ACP reductase (FabG). β-hydroxyacyl-ACP is then dehydrated to form trans-2-enoyl-ACP. β-hydroxyacyl-ACP dehydratase/isomerase (FabA) or β-hydroxyacyl-ACP dehydratase (FabZ) catalyze this step. NADPH-dependent trans-2-enoyl-ACP reductase I, II, or III (FabI, FabK, or FabL, respectively) reduces trans-2-enoyl-ACP to form acyl-ACP. Subsequent cycles are started by the condensation of malonyl-ACP with acyl-ACP by β-ketoacyl-ACP synthase I or β-ketoacyl-ACP synthase II (FabB or FabF, respectively).

II. Modifying the Fatty Acid Biosynthetic Pathway to Increase Acyl-ACP Production

Production host organisms may be engineered to overproduce acetyl-CoA and malonyl-CoA. Such production host organisms include plant, animal, or human cells. Microorganisms such as cyanobacteria, algae, bacteria, yeast, or filamentous fungi can be used as production hosts. Non-limiting examples of microorganisms that may be used as production hosts include E. coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Candida lipolytica, Synechococcus, Synechocystis, Clamydomonas, Arthrobacter AK 19, Rhodotorula glutinins, Acinetobacter sp. strain M-1, Candida lipolytica, and other oleaginous microorganisms. Several different modifications can be made, either in combination or individually, to the production host to obtain increased acetyl-CoA/malonyl-CoA/fatty acid and fatty acid derivative production.

For example, to increase acetyl-CoA production, one or more of the following genes can be expressed in a production host: pdh, panK, aceEF (which encodes the E1p dehydrogenase component and the E2p dihydrolipoamide acyltransferase component of the pyruvate and 2-oxoglutarate dehydrogenase complexes), fabH, fabD, fabG, acpP, and fabF. In other examples, additional genes encoding fatty-acyl-CoA reductases and aldehyde decarbonylases can be expressed in the production host. It is known in the art that a plasmid containing one or more of the aforementioned genes, all under the control of a constitutive, or otherwise controllable promoter, can be constructed. Exemplary GenBank Accession numbers for these genes are listed in the parentheticals: pdh (BAB34380, AAC73227, AAC73226), panK (also known as coaA, AAC76952), aceEF (AAC73227, AAC73226), fabH (AAC74175), fabD (AAC74176), fabG (AAC74177), acpP (AAC74178), and fabF (AAC74179).

Additionally, the expression levels of fadE, gpsA, ldhA, pflb, adhE, pta, poxB, ackA, and/or ackB can be attenuated or knocked-out in the engineered microorganism by transformation with conditionally replicative or non-replicative plasmids containing null or deletion mutations of the corresponding genes, or by substituting the promoter or enhancer sequences. Exemplary GenBank Accession numbers for these genes are listed in the parentheticals: fadE (AAC73325), gspA (AAC76632), ldhA (AAC74462), pflb (AAC73989), adhE (AAC74323), pta (AAC75357), poxB (AAC73958), ackA (AAC75356), and ackB (BAB81430). The resulting engineered production hosts have increased acetyl-CoA production levels when grown in an appropriate environment.

Moreover, malonyl-CoA overproduction can be affected by engineering the production host as described above with accABCD (e.g., GenBank Accession number AAC73296, EC 6.4.1.2) included in the plasmid synthesized de novo. Fatty acid overproduction can be achieved by further including a gene encoding lipase (e.g., GenBank Accession Nos. CAA89087 and CAA98876) in the plasmid synthesized de novo.

As a result, in some examples, an acetyl-CoA carboxylase is overexpressed to increase the intracellular concentration thereof by at least about 2-fold, at least about 5-fold, or at least about 10-fold, relative to the native expression levels.

In addition, a PlsB (e.g., GenBank Accession number AAC77011) D311E mutant can be used to increase the amount of available acyl-CoA.

In addition, overexpression of an sfa gene (suppressor of FabA, e.g., GenBank Accession No. AAN79592) can be included in the production host to increase production of monounsaturated fatty acids (Rock et al., J. Bacteriology, 178:5382-5387, 1996).

B. Acyl-ACP and/or Acyl-CoA to Fatty Ester Using Thioesterase

In a typical microbial process model for fatty acid synthesis, acetyl-CoA and malonyl-CoA are converted through a series of steps to form the acyl-ACP chains. Acyl-ACP is then converted via a series of alternative enzymatic steps to various end products, including fatty acid derivatives. For example, typically acyl-ACP is converted to fatty esters by the combined consecutive reactions of a thioesterase, an acyl-CoA ligase/synthetase and an ester synthase. A limitation to the commercial use of these enzymes in a metabolic pathway is the need to produce the fatty acyl CoA substrate from a fatty acyl ACP precursor, which requires at least two enzymatic steps and the expenditure of metabolic energy from two phosphoanhydride bonds. Direct production of fatty esters with thioesterase mitigates the loss of ATP caused by these two enzymatic steps. Recently it has been demonstrated that lipases (whose natural “alcohol” substrate is water) can also be used in vitro to catalyze the transesterification reaction that makes biodiesel (i.e. the conversion of triacyl glyceride and methanol to fatty acid methyl ester and glycerol). However, lipases are generally toxic to the cells when produced intracellularly.

Despite having a published specificity for water, the present invention describes the discovery that, in the presence of a sufficient amount of an alcohol, the alcohol can become an acceptable substrate for a thioesterase. In that case, thioesterases can catalyze the alcoholysis of the fatty acyl enzyme intermediates, just like a lipase does in vitro. Thus, under the right conditions, an enzyme that accepts a fatty ester as substrate to form a fatty enzyme intermediate that is subsequently cleaved through either hydrolysis or transesterification can be used to synthesize desired fatty acid esters if a sufficient level of a suitable alcohol is provided to drive alcoholysis. Examples of enzymes having this capability, which can produce esters directly from acyl-ACP include, in addition to thioesterases, acyltransferases, lipases, esterases, and proteases. Useful thioesterases can be naturally-occurring and/or precursor thioesterases as defined herein, or can be mutant thioesterases prepared in accordance with the disclosures herein. One of ordinary skill in the art is capable of determining the fitness of using a particular enzyme to directly produce fatty esters from Acyl-ACP. For example, the assays provided in Example 32 are useful in determining direct ester production.

According to this aspect of the invention, the thioesterase can be utilized to directly produce fatty esters either in the presence or the absence of an ester synthase and/or a fatty acyl CoA ligase/synthetase. For example, expression of a thioesterase that can catalyze the direct production of fatty esters in a recombinant host strain can be used to supplement fatty ester production where the strain also expresses an ester synthase. Additionally, expression of a thioesterase that can catalyze the direct production of fatty esters in a recombinant host cell can be used where there is no or low ester synthase expression.

A mutant thioesterase can be utilized that has been modified to have altered properties compared to the precursor thioesterase.

C. Acyl-ACP to Fatty Acid

I. Fatty Acid Biosynthetic Pathway: Acyl-ACP to Fatty Acids

As described above, acetyl-CoA and malonyl-CoA are processed in several steps to form acyl-ACP chains. The enzyme sn-glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase (PlsB) catalyzes the transfer of an acyl group from acyl-ACP or acyl-CoA to the sn-1 position of glycerol-3-phosphate. Thus, PlsB is a key regulatory enzyme in phospholipid synthesis, which is a part of the fatty acid pathway. Inhibiting PlsB leads to an increase in the levels of long chain acyl-ACP, which feedback will inhibit early steps in the pathway, which involve genes such as, for example, accABCD, fabH, and fabI. Uncoupling of this regulation, for example by thioesterase overexpression, leads to increased fatty acid production.

II. Modifying the Fatty Acid Biosynthetic Pathway to Produce the Desired Types or Proportions of Fatty Acids

According to the invention, the expressed thioesterase has altered properties as compared to the native or endogenous thioesterase in the host strain. To engineer a production host for the production of a homogeneous population of fatty acid derivatives, one or more endogenous genes can be attenuated or functionally deleted and, as a result, one or more thioesterases according to the invention can be expressed. For example, C₁₀ fatty acid derivatives (i.e., fatty acid derivatives each comprising a carbon chain that is 10 carbons long) can be produced by attenuating thioesterase C₁₈ (e.g., GenBank Accession Nos. AAC73596 and POADA1), which uses C_(18:1)-ACP, and by expressing an altered thioesterase that has increased specificity for and/or activity (e.g., catalytic rate) with regard to C₁₀ substrates (i.e., substrates each comprising a carbon chain that is 10 carbons long). This results in a more homogeneous population of fatty acid derivatives that have an increase in fatty acids having a carbon chain length of 10. In another example, C₁₂ fatty acid derivatives can be produced by attenuating endogenous thioesterases that produce non-C₁₂ fatty acids and expressing an altered thioesterase that has increased specificity for and/or activity (i.e., catalytic rate) with regard to C₁₂ substrates. In another example, C₁₄ fatty acid derivatives can be produced by attenuating endogenous thioesterases that produce non-C₁₄ fatty acids and expressing an altered thioesterase that has increased specificity for and/or activity (i.e., catalytic rate) with regard to C₁₄ substrates. In another example, a higher proportional yield of short-chain (e.g., C₈, C₉, C₁₀, C₁₁, C₁₂, C₁₃, and/or C₁₄) fatty acid derivatives vs. other non-short-chain fatty acid derivatives in the product mixture. In yet another example, a lower proportional yield of short chain (e.g., C₈, C₉, C₁₀, C₁₁, C₁₂, C₁₃, and/or C₁₄) fatty acid derivatives vs. other non-short-chain fatty acid derivatives in the product mixture can also be achieved. In a further example, a higher and/or improved yield of free fatty acid derivatives can be produced by expressing an altered thioesterase that has improved catalytic rate and/or production or yield in vivo. In yet another example, a higher or lower proportional or percentage yield of fatty esters vs. other products, such as free fatty acids, can be produced by applying one or more of certain thioesterase mutants. Acetyl-CoA, malonyl-CoA, and fatty acid overproduction can be verified using methods known in the art, for example by radioactive precursors, HPLC, LC-MS, and GC-MS subsequent to cell lysis.

In an alternative embodiment, a thioesterase of the invention can be expressed within the host strain in combination with an endogenous thioesterase. In yet another alternative embodiment, one or more endogenous thioesterases can be modified using suitable genomic alternation techniques that are known to those skilled in the art, such that the mutant thioesterases has at least one altered property as compared to the endogenous thioesterase precursors, and/or such that the host cell exhibits at least one altered property as compared to the host cell before such genomic alteration techniques are applied.

D. Fatty Acid to Acyl-CoA

I. Conversion of fatty acids to acyl-CoA

Acyl-CoA synthase (ACS) esterifies free fatty acids to acyl-CoA by a two-step mechanism. The free fatty acid first is converted to an acyl-AMP intermediate (an adenylate) through the pyrophosphorolysis of ATP. The activated carbonyl carbon of the adenylate is then coupled to the thiol group of CoA, releasing AMP and the acyl-CoA final product. See Shockey et al., Plant Physiol. 129:1710-1722, 2002.

The E. coli ACS enzyme FadD and the fatty acid transport protein FadL are typically important components of a fatty acid uptake system. FadL mediates the transportation of fatty acids into the bacterial cell, and FadD mediates the formation of acyl-CoA esters. When no other carbon source is available, exogenous fatty acids are taken up by bacteria and converted to acyl-CoA esters, which bind to the transcription factor FadR and derepress the expression of the fad genes that encode proteins responsible for fatty acid transport (FadL), activation (FadD), and β-oxidation (FadA, FadB, FadE, and FadH). When alternative sources of carbon are available, bacteria synthesize fatty acids as acyl-ACPs, which are then used for phospholipid synthesis, rather than serving as substrates for β-oxidation. Thus, acyl-CoA and acyl-ACP are independent sources of fatty acids that lead to different end-products. See Caviglia et al., J. Biol. Chem., 279(12):1163-1169, 2004.

II. Modifying the Fatty Acid Biosynthetic Pathway to Increase Conversion of Fatty Acids to Acyl-CoA

Production hosts can be engineered using known peptides to produce fatty acids of various lengths which can be converted to acyl-CoA. One method of making fatty acid derivatives involves increasing the expression of, or expressing more active forms of, one or more acyl-CoA synthase peptides (EC 6.2.1.-).

A list of acyl-CoA synthases that can be expressed to produce acyl-CoA and fatty acid derivatives is shown in Table 1. These Acyl-CoA synthases can be examined to optimize any pathway that uses fatty-acyl-CoAs as substrates. Using bioinformatics and synthetic genes, heterologous fadD genes can be expressed in production strains and evaluated for their capacity to produce biodiesel and potentially biocrude.

TABLE 1 Acyl-CoA synthases % % Gene GenBank Identity Similarity Name/ Accession to E. coli to E. coli Locus Source No. FadD FadD fadD E. coli NP_416319 — — fadK E. coli YP_416216 28 46 fadD Acinetobacter sp. ADP1 YP_045024 51 70 fadD Haemophilus influenza RdKW20 NP_438551 64 78 BH3103 Bacillus halodurans C-125 NP_243969 40 58 yhfL Bacillus subtilis NP_388908 39 57 pfl-4354 Pseudomonas fluorescens Pfo-1 YP_350082 52 71 EAV15023 Comamonas testosterone KF-1 ZP_01520072 55 72 fadD1 Pseudomonas aeruginosa NP_251989 54 72 fadD2 Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 NP_251990 55 72 fadD Rhizobium etli CFN42 YP_533919 55 72 RPC_4074 Rhodopseudomonas palustris YP_533919 56 72 Bis B18 fadD1 Rasltonia solanacearum GMI 1000 NP_520978 56 72 fadDD35 Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv NP_217021 28 46 fadDD22 Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv NP_217464 23 42 PRK0059 Stenotrophomonas maltophilia ZP_01644857 59 75 R551-3

Based on their degree of similarity to E. coli fadD, the following homologous genes are selected to be synthesized and evaluated:

-   -   fadDD35 from M. tuberculosis HR7Rv [NP_217021].     -   yhfL from B. subtilis [NP_388908].     -   fadD1 from P. aeruginosa PAO1 [NP_251989].     -   fadD homolog, encoding Faa3p from Saccharomyces cerevisiae         [NP_012257].

Additional fatty acid acyl-CoA synthases from eukaryotic organisms, which can be used to produce acyl-CoA as well as fatty acid derivatives, include those described in Shockey et al., Plant Physiol., 129: 1710-1722, 2002 (Arabidopsis), Caviglia et al., J. Biol. Chem., 279: 1163-1169, 2004 (rat), and Knoll et al., J. Biol. Chem., 269(23):16348-56, 1994 (yeast). Gene sequences encoding these synthetases are known in the art. See, e.g., Johnson et al., J. Biol. Chem., 269: 18037-18046, 1994; Shockey et al., Plant Physiol., 129: 1710-1722, 2002; Black et al., J. Biol. Chem., 267: 25513-25520, 1992. These eukaryotic acyl-CoA synthases, despite lacking in high homology to E. coli FadD sequences, can complement FadD activity in E. coli FadD knockouts.

A. Acyl-CoA to Fatty Alcohol

1. Conversion of Acyl-CoA to Fatty Alcohol

Acyl-CoA is reduced to a fatty aldehyde by an NADH-dependent acyl-CoA reductase (e.g., Acr1). The fatty aldehyde is then reduced to a fatty alcohol by an NADPH-dependent alcohol dehydrogenase (e.g., YqhD). Alternatively, fatty alcohol forming acyl-CoA reductase (FAR) catalyzes the reduction of an acyl-CoA into a fatty alcohol and CoASH. FAR uses NADH or NADPH as a cofactor in this four-electron reduction. Although the alcohol-generating FAR reactions proceed through an aldehyde intermediate, a free aldehyde is not released. Thus, the alcohol-forming FARs are distinct from the enzymes that carry out two-electron reductions of acyl-CoA and yield free fatty aldehyde as a product. (See Cheng and Russell, J. Biol. Chem., 279(36):37789-37797, 2004; Metz et al., Plant Physiol., 122:635-644, 2000).

2. Modifying the Fatty Acid Biosynthetic Pathways to Increase Conversion of Acyl-CoA to Fatty Alcohol

Production hosts can be engineered using known polypeptides to produce fatty alcohols from acyl-CoA. One method of making fatty alcohols involves increasing the expression of, or expressing more active forms of, fatty alcohol forming acyl-CoA reductases (encoded by a gene such as acr1, EC 1.2.1.50/1.1.1), acyl-CoA reductases (EC 1.2.1.50), and/or alcohol dehydrogenases (EC 1.1.1.1).

Fatty alcohols are often described as hydrocarbon-based surfactants. They also serve as suitable components of surfactants. For surfactant production, the production host is modified so that it produces a surfactant from a renewable carbon source. Such a production host includes a first exogenous polynucleotide sequence encoding a protein capable of converting a fatty acid to a fatty aldehyde and a second exogenous polynucleotide sequence encoding a protein capable of converting a fatty aldehyde to an alcohol. In some examples, the first exogenous polynucleotide sequence encodes a fatty acid reductase. In one embodiment, the second exogenous polynucleotide sequence encodes mammalian microsomal aldehyde reductase or long-chain aldehyde dehydrogenase. In a further example, the first and second exogenous polynucleotide sequences are from Arthrobacter AK 19, Rhodotorula glutinins, Acinetobacter sp. strain M-1, or Candida lipolytica. In one embodiment, the first and second heterologous polynucleotide sequences form a multienzyme complex from Acinetobacter sp. strain M-1 or from Candida lipolytica.

Additional sources of heterologous DNA sequences encoding fatty acid to long chain alcohol converting proteins that can be used in surfactant production include, but are not limited to, Mortierella alpina (ATCC 32222), Cryptococcus curvatus, (also referred to as Apiotricum curvatum), Alcanivorax jadensis (T9T=DSM 12718=ATCC 700854), Acinetobacter sp. HO1-N (ATCC 14987) and Rhodococcus opacus (PD630 DSMZ 44193).

In one example, the fatty acid derivative is a saturated or unsaturated surfactant product having a carbon chain length of about 6 to about 36 carbon atoms, about 8 to about 30 carbon atoms, about 10 to about 26 carbon atoms, about 12 to about 20 carbon atoms, or about 12 to about 16 carbon atoms. In another example, the surfactant product has a carbon chain length of about 10 to about 18 carbon atoms, or about 12 to about 14 carbon atoms.

Suitable production hosts for producing surfactants include eukaryotic or prokaryotic microorganisms. Exemplary production hosts include Arthrobacter AK 19, Rhodotorula glutinins, Acinetobacter sp. strain M-1, Arabidopsis thalania, Candida lipolytica, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, cyanobacteria such as Synechocystis spp. and Synechococcus spp., Algae such as Clamydomonas, and E. coli engineered to overexpress acetyl-CoA carboxylase. Production hosts that demonstrate an innate ability to synthesize high levels of surfactant precursors in the form of lipids and oils, such as Rhodococcus opacus, Arthrobacter AK 19, Rhodotorula glutinins, E. coli engineered to express acetyl CoA carboxylase, and other oleaginous cyanobacteria, bacteria, yeast, and fungi can also be used.

B. Fatty Alcohols to Fatty Esters

Production hosts can be engineered using known polypeptides to produce fatty esters of various lengths. One method of making fatty esters includes increasing the expression of, or expressing more active forms of, one or more alcohol O-acetyltransferase peptides (EC 2.3.1.84). These peptides catalyze the acetylation of an alcohol by converting an acetyl-CoA and an alcohol to a CoA and an ester. In some examples, the alcohol O-acetyltransferase peptides can be expressed in conjunction with selected thioesterase peptides, FAS peptides, and fatty alcohol forming peptides, thus allowing the control of carbon chain lengths, saturation levels, and degrees of branching. In some cases, the bkd operon can be coexpressed in order to produce branched fatty acid precursors.

As used herein, alcohol O-acetyltransferase peptides include peptides in enzyme classification number EC 2.3.1.84, as well as any other peptides capable of catalyzing the conversion of an acetyl-CoA and an alcohol to form a CoA and an ester. Additionally, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that alcohol O-acetyltransferase peptides can also catalyze other reactions.

For example, some alcohol O-acetyltransferase peptides can accept other substrates in addition to fatty alcohols and/or acetyl-CoA thioesters, such as other alcohols and other acyl-CoA thioesters. Such non-specific or divergent-specificity alcohol O-acetyltransferase peptides are, therefore, also included. Various alcohol O-acetyltransferase peptide sequences are publicly available. Assays for measuring the activity of alcohol O-acetyltransferase peptides are known in the art. Moreover, O-acyltransferases can be engineered to impart new activities and/or specificities for the donor acyl group or acceptor alcohol moiety. Engineered enzymes can be generated through well documented rational and evolutionary approaches.

C. Acyl-CoA to Fatty Esters

1. Production of Fatty Esters

Fatty esters are synthesized by an acyl-CoA:fatty alcohol acyltransferase (e.g., ester synthase), which conjugates a long chain fatty alcohol to a fatty acyl-CoA via an ester linkage. Ester synthases and the encoding genes are known from the jojoba plant and the bacterium Acinetobacter sp. strain ADP1 (formerly Acinetobacter calcoaceticus ADP1). The bacterial ester synthase is a bifunctional enzyme, exhibiting ester synthase activity and the ability to form triacylglycerols from diacylglycerol substrates and fatty acyl-CoAs (acyl-CoA:diglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT) activity). The gene wax/dgat encodes both ester synthase and DGAT. See Cheng et al., J. Biol. Chem., 279(36):37798-37807, 2004; Kalscheuer and Steinbuchel, J. Biol. Chem., 278:8075-8082, 2003. Ester synthases can also be used to produce certain fatty esters that can be used as a fuel, such as biodiesel, as described herein.

2. Modifying the Fatty Acid Biosynthetic Pathway to Produce Fatty Esters Using Ester Synthase

The production of fatty esters, including waxes, from acyl-CoA and alcohols, can be engineered using known polypeptides. One method of making fatty esters includes increasing the expression of, or expressing more active forms of, one or more ester synthases (EC 2.3.1.20, 2.3.1.75). Various ester synthase peptide sequences are publicly available. Methods of determining ester synthase activity are provided in U.S. Pat. No. 7,118,896, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

In certain embodiments, if the desired product is an ester-based biofuel, a production host can be modified such that it produces an ester from a renewable energy source. Such a production host includes an exogenous genes encoding an ester synthase that is expressed so as to confer upon said production host the ability to synthesize a saturated, unsaturated, or branched fatty ester from a renewable energy source. In some embodiments, the organism can also express genes encoding the following exemplary proteins: fatty acid elongases, acyl-CoA reductases, acyltransferases, ester synthases, fatty acyl transferases, diacylglycerol acyltransferases, thioesterases, and/or acyl-coA wax alcohol acyltransferases. In an alternate embodiment, the organism expresses a gene encoding a bifunctional ester synthase/acyl-CoA:diacylglycerol acyltransferase. For example, the bifunctional ester synthase/acyl-CoA:diacylglycerol acyltransferase can be selected from the multi-enzyme complexes from Simmondsia chinensis, Acinetobacter sp. strain ADP1 (formerly Acinetobacter calcoaceticus ADP1), Alcanivorax borkumensis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Fundibacter jadensis, Arabidopsis thaliana, or Alcaligenes eutrophus (later renamed Ralstonia eutropha). In one embodiment, the fatty acid elongases, acyl-CoA reductases, or wax synthases are obtained and/or derived from a multi-enzyme complex from Alcaligenes eutrophus (later renamed Ralstonia eutropha) or other organisms known in the literature to produce esters such as wax or fatty esters.

Additional sources of heterologous DNA sequences encoding ester synthesis proteins useful in fatty ester production include, but are not limited to, Mortierella alpina (e.g., ATCC 32222), Cryptococcus curvatus (also referred to as Apiotricum curvatum), Alcanivorax jadensis (e.g., T9T=DSM 12718=ATCC 700854), Acinetobacter sp. HO1-N, (e.g., ATCC 14987) and Rhodococcus opacus (e.g., PD630, DSMZ 44193).

Useful production hosts for producing fatty esters can be eukaryotic or prokaryotic microorganisms. Non-limiting examples of production hosts for producing fatty esters include Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Synechococcus, Synechocystis, Clamydomonas, Candida lipolytica, E. coli, Arthrobacter AK 19, Rhodotorula glutinins, Acinetobacter sp. strain M-1, Candida lipolytica, and other oleaginous microorganisms.

In one example, the ester synthase from Acinetobacter sp. ADP1 at locus AA017391 (described in Kalscheuer and Steinbuchel, J. Biol. Chem., 278:8075-8082, 2003, herein incorporated by reference) is used. In another example, the ester synthase from Simmondsia chinensis at locus AAD38041 is used.

In certain embodiments, the esters produced in accordance with the methods and compositions herein are secreted or released from the host cells, and thus can be recovered extracellularly. Optionally, an ester exporter such as a member of the FATP family can be used to facilitate the release of esters into the extracellular environment. A non-limiting example of a suitable ester exporter is fatty acid (long chain) transport protein CG7400-PA, isoform A, from Drosophila melanogaster, at locus NP_524723.

D. Acyl-ACP, Acyl-CoA to Hydrocarbon

1. Hydrocarbons from Particular Microorganisms

A diverse set of microorganisms are known to produce hydrocarbons, such as alkanes, olefins, and isoprenoids. Many of these hydrocarbons are derived from fatty acid biosynthesis. The production of these hydrocarbons can be controlled by controlling the genes associated with fatty acid biosynthesis in the native production hosts.

For example, hydrocarbon biosynthesis in the algae Botryococcus braunii occurs via the decarbonylation of fatty aldehydes. The fatty aldehydes are produced by the reduction of fatty acyl thioesters by an enzyme such as a fatty acyl-CoA reductase. Thus, the structure of the final alkanes can be controlled by engineering B. braunii to express specific genes, such as thioesterases, which control the chain length of the fatty acids being channeled into alkane biosynthesis. Expressing the enzymes that result in branched chain fatty acid biosynthesis in B. braunii will result in the production of branched chain alkanes. Introduction of genes affecting the production of desaturated fatty acids will result in the production of olefins. Further combinations of these genes can provide further control over the final structure of the hydrocarbons that will be produced.

To produce higher levels of native or engineered hydrocarbons, the genes involved in the biosynthesis of fatty acids and their precursors, or the degradation of other products can be expressed, overexpressed, or attenuated. Each of these approaches can be applied to the production of alkanes in Vibrio fumissii M1 and other Vibrio fumissii strains, which produce alkanes through the reduction of fatty alcohols. In addition to Vibrio fumissii, other alkane producing organisms that utilize the fatty acid pathway can be used.

Each of these approaches can also be applied to the production of the olefins produced by strains of Micrococcus leuteus, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, and related microorganisms. These microorganisms produce long chain olefins that are derived from the head-to-head condensation of fatty acid precursors. Controlling the structure and level of the fatty acid precursors using the methods described herein will result in the formation of olefins of different chain lengths, branching characteristics, and levels of saturation.

Cyanobacteria can also be used as suitable production hosts for the production of fatty acid derivatives such as fatty alcohols, fatty esters, and hydrocarbons. For example, Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 and Synechococcus elongates PCC7942 can serve as production hosts and can be engineered using standard molecular biology techniques (Thiel, Genetic analysis of cyanobacteria, in THE MOLECULAR BIOLOGY OF CYANOBACTERIA, ADVANCES IN PHOTOSYNTHESIS AND RESPIRATION 581-611 (Kluwer Academic Publishers), 1994; Koksharova and Wolk, Appl. Microbiol. Biotechnol., 58: 123-137, 2002, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein. Fatty acid biosynthesis genes can be readily identified and isolated in these organisms.

Furthermore, many cyanobacteria are natural producers of hydrocarbons, such as heptadecane, and therefore contain hydrocarbon biosynthesis genes that can be deregulated and overexpressed in conjunction with manipulating their fatty acid biosynthesis genes, in order to increase hydrocarbon production.

Unlike other bacteria, some cyanobacteria (e.g., Synechocystis sp. PCC6803) contain polyunsaturated fatty acids in their lipids (Murata, Plant cell Physiol., 33: 933-941, 1992), and thus have the inherent capability to produce polyunsaturated fatty acid derivatives. Most importantly, cyanobacteria are photosynthetic organisms that synthesize all cellular carbon by harvesting sun light and fixing carbon dioxide. Therefore, fatty acid derivatives produced in cyanobacteria are directly derived from CO₂.

2. Producing Hydrocarbons from Reduction of Primary Alcohols

Hydrocarbons can also be produced using evolved oxidoreductases for the reduction of primary alcohols. Using primary fatty alcohols to produce alkanes in microorganisms, such as Vibrio fumissii M1, is known. See, e.g., Park, J. Bacteriol., 187:1426-1429, 2005, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference. One example of an oxidoreductase that can be used to produce hydrocarbons from fatty alcohols is NAD(P)H-dependent oxidoreductase. Synthetic NAD(P)H dependent oxidoreductases can be produced through the use of evolutionary engineering and can be expressed in production hosts to produce fatty acid derivatives.

The process of “evolving” a fatty alcohol reductase to have the desired activity is known and practiced by those skilled in the art (Kolkman and Stemmer, Nat. Biotechnol., 19:423-8, 2001; Ness et al., Adv. Protein Chem., 55:261-92, 2000; Minshull and Stemmer, Curr. Opin. Chem. Biol., 3:284-90, 1999; Huisman and Gray, Curr. Opin. Biotechnol., 13:352-8, 2002; U.S. Patent Publication No. 2006/0195947), the contents of all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

A library of NAD(P)H-dependent oxidoreductases is generated by standard methods, such as error-prone PCR, site-specific random mutagenesis, site-specific saturation mutagenesis, or site-directed specific mutagenesis. Additionally, a library can be created through the “shuffling” of naturally-occurring NAD(P)H-dependent oxidoreductase encoding sequences. The library is expressed in a suitable production host, such as an E. coli. Individual colonies expressing a different member of the oxidoreductase library are then analyzed for expression of an oxidoreductase that can catalyze the reduction of a fatty alcohol.

For example, each cell can be assayed as a whole cell bioconversion, a cell extract, or a permeabilized cell. Enzymes purified from the cell can be analyzed as well. Fatty alcohol reductases are identified by spectrophotometrically or fluorometrically monitoring the fatty alcohol-dependent oxidation of NAD(P)H. Production of alkanes is monitored by GC-MS, TLC, or other suitable methods.

An oxidoreductase identified in this manner is used to produce alkanes, alkenes, and related branched hydrocarbons. This is achieved either in vitro or in vivo. The latter is achieved by expressing the evolved fatty alcohol reductase gene in an organism that produces fatty alcohols, such as the ones described herein. The fatty alcohols act as substrates for the alcohol reductase, which produces alkanes. Other oxidoreductases can also be engineered to catalyze this reaction, such as those that use molecular hydrogen, glutathione, FADH, or other reductive coenzymes.

3. Conversion of Acyl-ACP to Ketone and/or Olefins

Acyl-ACP can be converted to a ketone and/or an internal olefin by the action of acyl condensing enzymes, as described in PCT Publication No. 2008/147781 A2, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. As described in the '781 publication, acyl-condensing peptides include peptides that are capable of catalyzing the condensation of acyl-ACP, acyl-CoA, acyl-AMP, fatty acids, and mixtures thereof using the methods described therein. In some embodiments, these acyl-condensing peptides have high, medium, or low substrate specificity. In certain examples, the acyl-condensing peptides are more substrate specific and will only accept substrates of a specific chain length. Additionally, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that some acyl-condensing peptides will catalyze other reactions as well. Examples of acyl-condensing enzymes are disclosed in the '781 publication. In addition, the '781 publication describes adenylating proteins, dehydratases, and dehydrogenases that can be used in the production of hydrocarbons such as internal olefins.

Recombinant organisms can be engineered using polynucleotides and proteins, for example, those disclosed in the '781 publication, to produce hydrocarbons and aliphatic ketones that have defined structural characteristics (e.g., degrees of branching, levels of saturation, or carbon chain lengths). One method of making hydrocarbons involves increasing the expression of, or expressing more active forms of, one or more acyl-condensing enzymes (enzymes that condense two or more of acyl-CoA, acyl-ACP, acyl-AMP, acyl-ester, fatty acid, or mixtures thereof). One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the products produced from such condensation reactions vary depending on the acyl chain that is condensed. Products that can be produced include, for example, hydrocarbons and hydrocarbon intermediates, such as aliphatic ketones. The aliphatic ketones, hydrocarbons, and hydrocarbon intermediates can be engineered to have specific carbon chain characteristics by expressing various enzymes or attenuating the expression of various enzymes in the recombinant organism. According to the present invention, the mutant thioesterases of the invention can be used to manipulate the range of acyl species carbon chain lengths. Thus, by using a mutant thioesterase having a particular substrate specificity or selectivity, it is possible to affect the downstream reactions so as to result in a predetermined olefin or ketone product profile.

4. Conversion of Fatty Acid to Aldehyde

Fatty acids resulting from thioesterase cleavage can be converted to an aldehyde by the action of the carboxylic acid reductase gene. Aldehydes can be useful products in themselves, or they can serve as substrates for further enzymatic catalysis reactions, for example, in the production of fatty alcohols via an enzymatic reaction of alcohol dehydrogenase, or in the production of alkanes via an enzymatic reaction of decarbonylases. According to the compositions and methods herein, the fatty acid substrates of the carboxylic acid reductase can be manipulated so as to achieve a predetermined product profile in the aldehyde or fatty alcohol product.

E. Release of Fatty Acid Derivatives—with or without Transport Proteins

As described herein, the fatty acid derivatives produced in accordance with the methods, compositions, vectors, and host cells herein can be secreted or spontaneously released so as to allow the recovery of the fatty acid derivative products extracellularly. The speed of spontaneous secretion may or may not be sufficiently fast, and the level of release may or may not be sufficiently complete. Therefore, optionally, transport proteins can be used to facilitate export of fatty acid derivatives out of the production host. Transport and efflux proteins are known to excrete a large variety of compounds, and can naturally be modified to be selective for particular types of fatty acid derivatives. Non-limiting examples of suitable transport proteins are ATP-Binding Cassette (ABC) transport proteins, efflux proteins, and fatty acid transporter proteins (FATP). Additional non-limiting examples of suitable transport proteins include the ABC transport proteins from organisms such as Caenorhabditis elegans, Arabidopsis thalania, Alkaligenes eutrophus, and Rhodococcus erythropolis. Exemplary ABC transport proteins include CER5, AtMRP5, AmiS2, or AtPGP1. In a preferred embodiment, the ABC transport protein is a CER5 (e.g., AY734542)). Vectors containing genes that express suitable transport proteins can be inserted into protein production hosts to increase or drive the release of fatty acid derivatives.

Production of fatty acid derivative products according to the present invention does not require transport or efflux protein modification and it is possible to select production hosts for their endogenous ability to release fatty acid derivatives. Furthermore, simply by constructing host cells according to the present disclosure, for example, fatty acid derivative products that are otherwise not known to be secreted can be secreted or spontaneously released. The efficiency of product production and release into the fermentation broth can be expressed as a ratio of intracellular product to extracellular product. In some examples, the ratio can be about 100:1, 50:1, 20:1, 10:1, 5:1, 4:1, 3:1, 2:1, 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4, 1:5, 1:10, 1:20, 1:30, 1:40 or 1:50.

II. Selection of Carbon Chain Characteristics of Fatty Acid Derivatives

Fatty acid derivatives with particular branch points, levels of saturation, carbon chain lengths, and ester characteristics can be produced as desired. Microorganisms that naturally produce particular derivatives can be selected as production hosts, and in certain circumstances, endogenous enzymes therein can be manipulated to produce fatty acid derivatives of desirable characteristics. Alternatively, genes that express enzymes that will produce particular fatty acid derivatives can be suitably inserted into the production host microorganisms.

In some examples, expression of exogenous FAS genes originating from different species or engineered variants can be achieved in a production host, resulting in the biosynthesis of fatty acids that are structurally different (in, for example, lengths, levels of branching, degrees of unsaturation, etc.) from those of the native production host. These heterologous gene products can also be selected or engineered to be unaffected by the natural regulatory mechanisms in the production host cells, and as such allowing control of the production of the desired commercial product. For example, the FAS enzymes from Bacillus subtilis, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Streptomyces spp., Ralstonia, Rhodococcus, Corynebacteria, Brevibacteria, Mycobacteria, oleaginous yeast, or the like can be expressed in a suitable production host. The expression of such exogenous enzymes will alter the structure of the fatty acid produced.

When a production host is engineered to produce a fatty acid with a specific level of unsaturation, branching, or carbon chain length, the resulting engineered fatty acid can be used in the production of fatty acid derivatives. Fatty acid derivatives generated from such production hosts can display the characteristics of the engineered fatty acid.

For example, a production host can be engineered to make branched, short chain fatty acids, which can then be used by the production host to produce branched, short chain fatty alcohols. Similarly, a hydrocarbon can be produced by engineering a production host to produce a fatty acid having a defined level of branching, unsaturation, and/or carbon chain length, and thus producing a homogeneous hydrocarbon population. Additional steps can be employed to improve the homogeneity of the resulting product. For example, when an unsaturated alcohol, fatty ester, or hydrocarbon is desired, the production host organism can be engineered to produce low levels of saturated fatty acids, and in addition can be modified to express an additional desaturase and thus lessen the production of saturated product.

A. Branched and Cyclic Moieties

1. Engineering Branched and Cyclic Fatty Acid Derivatives

Fatty acids are key intermediates in the production of fatty acid derivatives. Fatty acid derivatives containing branch points, cyclic moieties, and combinations thereof can be prepared using branched or cyclic fatty acids.

For example, E. coli naturally produces straight chain fatty acids (sFAs). To engineer E. coli to produce branched chain fatty acids (brFAs), several genes that provide branched precursors (e.g., a bkd operon) can be introduced into the production host and expressed to allow initiation of fatty acid biosynthesis from branched precursors (e.g., fabH). The bkd, ilv, icm, and fab gene families can be expressed or overexpressed to produce branched chain fatty acid derivatives. Similarly, to produce cyclic fatty acids, genes that provide cyclic precursors can be introduced into the production host and expressed to allow initiation of fatty acid biosynthesis from cyclic precursors. The ans, chc, and plm gene families can be expressed or overexpressed to produce cyclic fatty acids.

Additionally, a production host can be engineered to express genes encoding proteins for the elongation of brFAs (e.g., genes encoding ACP, FabF, etc.) and/or to delete or attenuate the corresponding E. coli genes that normally lead to sFAs. In this regard, endogenous genes that would compete with the introduced genes (e.g., fabH, fabF) are deleted or attenuated.

The branched acyl-CoA (e.g., 2-methyl-butyryl-CoA, isovaleryl-CoA, isobutyryl-CoA, etc.) are the precursors of brFA. In most microorganisms containing brFA, the brFA are synthesized in two steps from branched amino acids (e.g., isoleucine, leucine, or valine) (Kadena, Microbiol. Rev., 55:288, 1991). A production host can be engineered to express or overexpress one or more of the enzymes involved in these two steps to produce brFAs, or to over-produce brFAs. For example, the production host may have an endogenous enzyme that can accomplish one step leading to brFA, therefore only genes encoding enzymes involved in the second step need to be introduced recombinantly.

The mutant thioesterases of the invention can be engineered to have one or more altered properties, for example, altered specificity and/or increased activity (e.g., catalytic rate), with regard to branched or cyclic chain acyl-CoA or acyl-ACP compounds described herein. Accordingly the recombinant cell producing fatty acid derivatives can be made to preferentially produce a desired branched or cyclic chain fatty acid derivative product that may have high value as an end product.

2. Formation of Branched Fatty Acids and Branched Fatty Acid Derivatives

The first step in forming brFAs is the production of the corresponding α-keto acids by a branched-chain amino acid aminotransferase. Production hosts can endogenously include genes encoding such enzymes, or alternatively, such genes can be recombinantly introduced. E. coli, for example, endogenously expresses such an enzyme, IlvE (EC 2.6.1.42; GenBank Accession No. YP_026247). In some production hosts, a heterologous branched-chain amino acid aminotransferase may not be expressed. However, E. coli IlvE or any other branched-chain amino acid aminotransferase (e.g., IlvE from Lactococcus lactis (GenBank Accession No. AAF34406), IlvE from Pseudomonas putida (GenBank Accession No. NP_745648), or IlvE from Streptomyces coelicolor (GenBank Accession No. NP_629657)), if not endogenous, can be introduced. If the aminotransferase reaction is rate limiting in brFA biosynthesis in the chosen production host organism, then the aminotransferase can be overexpressed.

The second step is the oxidative decarboxylation of the α-keto acids to the corresponding branched-chain acyl-CoA. This reaction can be catalyzed by a branched-chain α-keto acid dehydrogenase complex (bkd; EC 1.2.4.4.) (Denoya et al., J. Bacteriol., 177:3504, 1995), which consists of E1α/β (decarboxylase), E2 (dihydrolipoyl transacylase) and E3 (dihydrolipoyl dehydrogenase) subunits. These branched-chain α-keto acid dehydrogenase complexes are similar to pyruvate and α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complexes. Every microorganism that possesses brFAs and/or grows on branched-chain amino acids can be used as a source to isolate bkd genes for expression in production hosts such as, for example, E. coli. Furthermore, E. coli has the E3 component as part of its pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (encoded by, for example, lpd, EC 1.8.1.4, GenBank Accession No. NP_414658), thus it can be sufficient to only express the E1 α/β and E2 bkd genes. Table 2 recites non-limiting examples of bkd genes from several microorganisms that can be recombinantly introduced and expressed in a production host to provide branched-chain acyl-CoA precursors. Microorganisms having such bkd genes can also be used as production hosts.

TABLE 2 Bkd genes from selected microorganisms GenBank Organism Gene Accession No. Streptomyces coelicolor bkdA1 (E1α) NP_628006 bkdB1 (E1β) NP_628005 bkdC1 (E2) NP_638004 Streptomyces coelicolor bkdA2 (E1α) NP_733618 bkdB2 (E1β) NP_628019 bkdC2 (E2) NP_628018 Streptomyces avermitilis bkdA (E1α) BAC72074 bkdB (E1β) BAC72075 bkdC (E2) BAC72076 Streptomyces avermitilis bkdF (E1α) BAC72088 bkdG (E1β) BAC72089 bkdH (E2) BAC72090 Bacillus subtilis bkdAA ((E1α) NP_390288 bkdAB (E1β) NP_390288 bkdB (E2) NP_390288 Pseudomonas putida bkdA1 (E1α) AAA65614 bkdA2 (E1β) AAA65615 bkdC (E2) AAA65617

In another example, isobutyryl-CoA can be made in a production host, for example in E. coli, through the coexpression of a crotonyl-CoA reductase (Ccr, EC 1.6.5.5, 1.1.1.1) and isobutyryl-CoA mutase (large subunit IcmA, EC 5.4.99.2; small subunit IcmB, EC 5.4.99.2) (Han and Reynolds, J. Bacteriol., 179:5157, 1997). Crotonyl-CoA is an intermediate in fatty acid biosynthesis in E. coli and other microorganisms. Non-limiting examples of ccr and icm genes from selected microorganisms are given in Table 3.

TABLE 3 ccr and icm genes from selected microorganisms GenBank Organism Gene Accession No. Streptomyces ccr NP_630556 coelicolor icmA NP_629554 icmB NP_630904 Streptomyces ccr AAD53915 cinnamonensis icmA AAC08713 icmB AJ246005

In addition to expression of the bkd genes, the initiation of brFA biosynthesis utilizes β-ketoacyl-acyl-carrier-protein synthase III (FabH, EC 2.3.1.41) with specificity for branched chain acyl-CoAs (Li et al., J. Bacteriol., 187:3795-3799, 2005). Non-limiting examples of such FabH enzymes are listed in Table 4. fabH genes that are involved in fatty acid biosynthesis of any brFA-containing microorganism can be expressed in a production host. The Bkd and FabH enzymes from production hosts that do not naturally make brFA may not support brFA production, therefore Bkd and FabH can be expressed recombinantly. Vectors containing the bkd and fabH genes can be inserted into such a production host. Similarly, the endogenous level of Bkd and FabH production may not be sufficient to produce brFA, therefore, they can be over-expressed. Additionally, other components of fatty acid biosynthesis pathway can be expressed or over-expressed, such as acyl carrier proteins (ACPs) and β-ketoacyl-acyl-carrier-protein synthase II (encoded by fabF, EC 2.3.1.41) (non-limiting examples of candidates are listed in Table 4). In addition to expressing these genes, some genes in the endogenous fatty acid biosynthesis pathway may be attenuated in the production host. Genes encoding enzymes that compete for substrate(s) with the enzymes of the pathway that result in brFA production can be attenuated to increase brFA production. For example, in E. coli the most likely candidates to interfere with brFA biosynthesis are fabH (GenBank Accession No. NP_415609) and/or fabF genes (GenBank Accession No. NP_415613).

TABLE 4 fabH, ACP and fabF genes from selected microorganisms with brFAs GenBank Organism Gene Accession No. Streptomyces fabH1 NP_626634 coelicolor ACP NP_626635 fabF NP_626636 Streptomyces fabH3 NP_823466 avermitilis fabC3 (ACP) NP_823467 fabF NP_823468 Bacillus subtilis fabH_A NP_389015 fabH_B NP_388898 ACP NP_389474 fabF NP_389016 Stenotrophomonas SmalDRAFT_0818 ZP_01643059 maltophilia (fabH) SmalDRAFT_0821 ZP_01643063 (ACP) SmalDRAFT_0822 ZP_01643064 (fabF) Legionella FabH YP_123672 pneumophila ACP YP_123675 fabF YP_123676

As mentioned above, branched chain alcohols can be produced through the combination of expressing genes that support brFA synthesis and alcohol synthesis. For example, when a gene encoding an alcohol reductase, such as acr1 from Acinetobacter baylyi ADP1, is coexpressed with a bkd operon in an E. coli host cell, the host cell can synthesize isopentanol, isobutanol, or 2-methyl butanol. Similarly, when acr1 is coexpressed with ccr/icm genes in an E. coli host cell, the host cell can synthesize isobutanol.

3. Formation of Cyclic Fatty Acids and Cyclic Fatty Acid Derivatives

To convert a production host such as an E. coli into an organism capable of synthesizing ω-cyclic fatty acids (cyFA), a gene that provides the cyclic precursor cyclohexylcarbonyl-CoA (CHC-CoA) (Cropp et al., Nature Biotech., 18:980-983, 2000) is introduced and expressed in the production host. A similar conversion is possible for other production hosts, for example, bacteria, yeast and filamentous fungi.

Non-limiting examples of genes that provide CHC-CoA in E. coli include: ansJ, ansK, ansL, chcA, and ansM from the ansatrienin gene cluster of Streptomyces collinus (Chen et al., Eur. J. Biochem., 261: 98-107, 1999), or plmJ, plmK, plmL, chcA, and plmM from the phoslactomycin B gene cluster of Streptomyces sp. HK803 (Palaniappan et al., J. Biol. Chem., 278:35552-35557, 2003) together with the chcB gene (Patton et al., Biochem., 39:7595-7604, 2000) from S. collinus, S. avermitilis, or S. coelicolor (see Table 5 for GenBank Accession numbers). The genes listed above in Table 4 can then be expressed to allow initiation and elongation of co-cyclic fatty acids. Alternatively, the homologous genes can be isolated from microorganisms that make cyFA and expressed in E. coli.

TABLE 5 Genes for the synthesis of CHC-CoA GenBank Accession Organism Gene No. Streptomyces collinus ansJK U72144* ansL chcA ansM chcB AF268489 Streptomyces sp. HK803 pmlJK AAQ84158 pmlL AAQ84159 chcA AAQ84160 pmlM AAQ84161 Streptomyces coelicolor chcB/caiD NP_629292 Streptomyces avermitilis chcB/caiD NP_629292 *Only chcA is annotated in GenBank entry U72144, ansJKLM are according to Chen et al., Eur. J. Biochem., 261:98-107, 1999.

The genes listed in Table 4 (fabH, ACP, and fabF) are sufficient to allow initiation and elongation of ω-cyclic fatty acids because they typically have broad substrate specificity. If the coexpression of any of these genes with the ansJKLM/chcAB or pmlJKLM/chcAB genes from Table 5 does not yield cyFA, then fabH, ACP, and/or fabF homologs from microorganisms that make cyFAs can be isolated (e.g., by using degenerate PCR primers or heterologous DNA sequence probes) and coexpressed. Table 6 lists non-limiting examples of microorganisms that contain ω-cyclic fatty acids.

TABLE 6 Non-limiting examples of microorganisms that contain ω-cyclic fatty acids Organism Reference Curtobacterium pusillum ATCC19096 Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris ATCC49025 Alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius ATCC27009 Alicyclobacillus cycloheptanicus * Moore, J. Org. Chem., 62: pp. 2173, 1997. * Uses cycloheptylcarbonyl-CoA and not cyclohexylcarbonyl-CoA as precursor for cyFA biosynthesis.

B. Saturation

Fatty acids are key intermediates in the production of fatty acid derivatives. The degrees of saturation in fatty acid derivatives can be controlled by regulating the degrees of saturation of the fatty acid intermediates. The sfa, gns, and fab families of genes can be expressed or overexpressed to control the saturation of fatty acids.

Production hosts can be engineered to produce unsaturated fatty acids by engineering the production host to overexpress fabB, or by growing the production host at low temperatures (e.g., less than 37° C.). FabB has preference for cis-δ³ decenoyl-ACP, and results in unsaturated fatty acid production in E. coli. Overexpression of the fabB gene results in the production of a significant percentage of unsaturated fatty acids (de Mendoza et al., J. Biol. Chem., 258:2098-101, 1983). The fabB gene can be inserted into and expressed in production hosts not naturally having the gene. These unsaturated fatty acids can then be used as intermediates in the production hosts that are engineered to produce fatty acid derivatives, such as fatty alcohols, fatty esters, waxes, olefins, alkanes, and the like.

Alternatively, repressors of fatty acid biosynthesis, for example, a repressor (GenBank Accession No. NP_418398) encoded by fabR, can be deleted. This will also result in increased unsaturated fatty acid production in E. coli (Zhang et al., J. Biol. Chem., 277:15558, 2002). Similar deletions can be made in other production hosts. Further increase in unsaturated fatty acids may be achieved, for example, by overexpression of fabM (encoding trans-2, cis-3-decenoyl-ACP isomerase, GenBank Accession No. DAA05501) and controlled expression of fabK (encoding trans-2-enoyl-ACP reductase II, GenBank Accession No. NP_357969) from Streptococcus pneumoniae (Marrakchi et al., J. Biol. Chem., 277: 44809, 2002), while deleting E. coli fabI (encoding trans-2-enoyl-ACP reductase, GenBank Accession No. NP_415804). Additionally, to increase the percentage of unsaturated fatty esters, the production host can also overexpress fabB (encoding 3-ketoacyl-ACP synthase I, GenBank Accession No. BAA16180, EC:2.3.1.41), sfa (encoding a suppressor of fabA, GenBank Accession No. AAC44390), and gnsA and gnsB (both encoding secG null mutant suppressors, GenBank Accession No. ABD18647.1 and GenBank Accession No. AAC74076.1, respectively). In some examples, the endogenous fabF gene can be attenuated, thus increasing the percentage of palmitoleate (C_(16:1)) produced.

The mutant thioesterases of the invention can be engineered to have altered properties, for example, altered specificity and/or increased activity, with regard to substituted or unsubstituted acyl-CoA or acyl-ACP compounds that are prepared as described herein. Accordingly the recombinant cell producing the fatty acid derivatives can be made to preferentially produce a desired saturation profile in a fatty acid derivative product that may have high value as an end product.

C. Chain Lengths and Ester Characteristics

1. Chain Lengths and Production of Odd-Numbered Chains

The methods described herein permit production of fatty esters and fatty acid derivatives of varied chain lengths by selecting a suitable mutant thioesterase that has specificity and/or selectivity for a substrate of a specific carbon chain length. By expressing the specific thioesterases, fatty acids and fatty acid derivatives having desired carbon chain lengths can be produced. In some embodiments, an endogenous thioesterase can be mutated using known genomic alteration techniques. Or, a gene encoding a particular thioesterase can be heterologously introduced into a production host such that a fatty acid or fatty acid derivative of a particular carbon chain length is produced. In certain embodiments, expression of endogenous thioesterases is suppressed. The mutant thioesterases of the invention can be engineered to have altered properties, for example, altered specificity and/or increased activity, with regard to specific chain lengths of acyl-CoA or acyl-ACP compounds described herein. Accordingly, the recombinant cell producing the fatty acid derivatives can be made to preferentially produce a fatty acid derivative product with the desired chain length and/or high value as an end product.

In one embodiment, the fatty acid derivative contains a carbon chain of about 4 to 36 carbon atoms, about 6 to 32 carbon atoms, about 10 to 30 carbon atoms, about 10 to 18 carbon atoms, about 24 to 32 carbon atoms, about 26 to 30 carbon atoms, about 26 to 32 carbon atoms, about 5 to 10 carbon atoms, about 10 to 16 carbon atoms, or about 12 to 18 carbon atoms. In an alternate embodiment, the fatty acid derivative contains a carbon chain less than about 20 carbon atoms, less than about 18 carbon atoms, or less than about 16 carbon atoms. In another embodiment, the fatty ester product is a saturated or unsaturated fatty ester product having a carbon atom content between 24 and 46 carbon atoms. In one embodiment, the fatty ester product has a carbon atom content between 24 and 32 carbon atoms. In another embodiment, the fatty ester product has a carbon content of 14 and 20 carbons. In another embodiment, the fatty ester is the methyl ester of C_(18:1). In another embodiment, the fatty ester is the ethyl ester of C_(16:1). In another embodiment, the fatty ester is the methyl ester of C_(16:1). In yet another embodiment, the fatty ester is octadecyl ester of octanol.

Certain microorganisms preferentially produce even- or odd-numbered carbon chain fatty acids and fatty acid derivatives. For example, E. coli normally produce even-numbered carbon chain fatty acids and fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEE). Surprisingly, the methods disclosed herein can be used to alter that production. For example, E. coli can be made to produce odd-numbered carbon chain fatty acids and FAEE under certain circumstances.

2. Ester Characteristics

An ester typically includes what may be designated an “A” side and a “B” side. The B side may be contributed by a fatty acid produced from de novo synthesis in the production host organism. In some embodiments, where the production host is additionally engineered to make alcohols, including fatty alcohols, the A side is also produced by the production host organism. In yet other embodiments, the A side can be provided by the growth medium. By selecting the desired thioesterase genes, the B side (and the A side when fatty alcohols are being made) can be designed to be have certain desirable carbon chain characteristics. These characteristics include, for example, points of branching, points of unsaturation, and desired carbon chain lengths. Thus, the mutant thioesterases of the invention can be engineered to have altered properties, for example, altered specificity and/or increased activity, with regard to preference for accepting certain acyl-CoA or acyl-ACP compounds as an A side chain as described herein. Accordingly the recombinant cell producing the fatty acid derivatives can be made such that it preferentially produces a desired fatty acid derivative product that is valuable as an end product.

When particular thioesterase genes are selected, the A and B sides will have similar carbon chain characteristics when they are both contributed by the production host using fatty acid biosynthetic pathway intermediates. For example, at least about 50%, 60%, 70%, or 80% of the fatty esters produced will have A and B sides that vary by about 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, or 14 carbons in length. The A side and the B side can also display similar branching and saturation levels.

In addition to producing fatty alcohols that contribute to the A side, the production host can produce other short chain alcohols such as ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, isobutanol, and butanol for incorporation on the A side using techniques well known in the art. For example, butanol can be made by the production host organism. To create butanol producing cells, the LS9001 strain, for example, can be further engineered to express atoB (acetyl-CoA acetyltransferase) from Escherichia coli K12, β-hydroxybutyryl-CoA dehydrogenase from Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens, crotonase from Clostridium beijerinckii, butyryl CoA dehydrogenase from Clostridium beijerinckii, CoA-acylating aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) from Cladosporium flavum, and adhE encoding an aldehyde-alcohol dehydrogenase of Clostridium acetobutylicum in the pBAD24 expression vector under the prpBCDE promoter system. Other production host organisms may be similarly modified to produce butanol or other short chain alcohols. For example, ethanol can be produced in a production host using the methods described by Kalscheuer et al., Microbiology, 152:2529-2536, 2006, which is herein incorporated by reference.

III. Genetic Engineering of Production Strain to Increase/Improve Fatty Acid Derivative Production/Yield

Heterologous polynucleotide sequences involved in a biosynthetic pathway for the production of fatty acid derivatives can be introduced stably or transiently into a production host cell using techniques known in the art. Non-limiting examples of such techniques include electroporation, calcium phosphate precipitation, DEAE-dextran mediated transfection, liposome-mediated transfection, conjugation, transduction, and genomic integration. For stable transformation, a DNA sequence can further include a selectable marker, including, for example, markers for antibiotic resistance, and genes that complement auxotrophic deficiencies. On the other hand, endogenous polynucleotides involved in the biosynthetic pathway for the production of fatty acid derivatives can also be mutated using known genomic alteration techniques. These strategies can be applied separately or in combination.

Various embodiments herein utilize an expression vector that includes a heterologous DNA sequence encoding a protein involved in a metabolic or biosynthetic pathway. Suitable expression vectors include, but are not limited to, viral vectors (such as baculovirus vectors), phage vectors (such as bacteriophage vectors), plasmids, phagemids, cosmids, fosmids, bacterial artificial chromosomes, viral vectors (e.g., viral vectors based on vaccinia virus, poliovirus, adenovirus, adeno-associated virus, SV40, herpes simplex virus, and the like), P1-based artificial chromosomes, yeast plasmids, yeast artificial chromosomes, and any other vectors for specific production hosts of interest (such as E. coli, Pseudomonas pisum, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae).

Useful expression vectors can include one or more selectable marker genes to provide a phenotypic trait for selection of transformed production host cells. The selectable marker gene encodes a protein necessary for the survival or growth of transformed production host cells grown in a selective culture medium. Production host cells not transformed with the vector containing the selectable marker gene will not survive in the culture medium. Typical selection genes encode proteins that (a) confer resistance to antibiotics or other toxins (e.g., ampicillin, neomycin, methotrexate, or tetracycline); (b) complement auxotrophic deficiencies; or (c) supply critical nutrients not available from complex media (e.g., the gene that encodes D-alanine racemate for Bacilli). In alternative embodiments, the selectable marker gene is one that encodes dihydrofolate reductase or confers neomycin resistance (for use in eukaryotic cell culture), or one that confers tetracycline or ampicillin resistance (for use in a prokaryotic production host cell, such as in E. coli).

In the expression vector, the DNA sequence encoding the gene in the biosynthetic pathway is operably linked to an appropriate expression control sequence (e.g., promoters, enhancers, and the like) to direct synthesis of the encoded gene product. Such promoters can be derived from microbial or viral sources, including, for example, from CMV and SV40. Depending on the production host/vector system utilized, any number of suitable transcription and translation control elements can be used in the expression vector, including constitutive and inducible promoters, transcription enhancer elements, transcription terminators, and the like. See, e.g., Bitter et al., Methods in Enzymology, 153:516-544, 1987.

Suitable promoters for use in prokaryotic production host cells include, but are not limited to, promoters capable of recognizing the T4, T3, Sp6 and T7 polymerases, the P_(R) and P_(L) promoters of bacteriophage lambda, the trp, recA, heat shock, and lacZ promoters of E. coli, the alpha-amylase and the sigma-specific promoters of B. subtilis, the promoters of the bacteriophages of Bacillus, Streptomyces promoters, the int promoter of bacteriophage lambda, the bla promoter of the beta-lactamase gene of pBR322, and the CAT promoter of the chloramphenicol acetyl transferase gene. Prokaryotic promoters are reviewed by Glick, J. Indust. Microbiol., 1:277, 1987; Watson et al., MOLECULAR BIOLOGY OF THE GENE, 4th Ed. (1987), Benjamin Cummins (1987); and Sambrook et al., MOLECULAR CLONING: A LABORATORY MANUAL, 2nd Ed. (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, 1989), the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. Non-limiting examples of suitable eukaryotic promoters for use within a eukaryotic production host are viral in origin and include the promoter of the mouse metallothionein I gene (Hamer et al., J. Mol. Appl. Gen., 1:273, 1982); the TK promoter of herpes virus (McKnight, Cell, 31:355, 1982); the SV40 early promoter (Benoist et al., Nature, 290:304, 1981); the cytomegalovirus promoter (Foecking et al., Gene, 45:101, 1980); the yeast gal4 gene promoter (Johnston et al., PNAS (USA), 79:6971, 1982; Silver et al., PNAS (USA), 81:5951, 1984); and the IgG promoter (Orlandi et al., PNAS (USA), 86:3833, 1989), the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The production host can be genetically modified with a heterologous gene sequence encoding a biosynthetic pathway gene product that is operably linked to an inducible promoter. Inducible promoters are known in the art. Non-limiting examples of suitable inducible promoters include promoters that are affected by proteins, metabolites, or chemicals. These include, but are not limited to: a bovine leukemia virus promoter, a metallothionein promoter, a dexamethasone-inducible MMTV promoter, an SV40 promoter, an MRP polIII promoter, a tetracycline-inducible CMV promoter (such as the human immediate-early CMV promoter) as well as those from the trp and lac operons.

In some examples, a production host is genetically modified with a heterologous gene sequence encoding a biosynthetic pathway gene product that is operably linked to a constitutive promoter. Suitable constitutive promoters are known in the art and include constitutive adenovirus major late promoter, a constitutive MPSV promoter, or a constitutive CMV promoter.

In some examples, a modified production host is one that is genetically modified with an exogenous gene sequence encoding a single protein involved in a biosynthesis pathway. In other embodiments, a modified production host is one that is genetically modified with exogenous gene sequences encoding two or more proteins involved in a biosynthesis pathway, for example, the first and second enzymes in a biosynthetic pathway.

When a production host is genetically modified to express two or more proteins involved in a biosynthetic pathway, those gene sequences can each be contained in a single or in separate expression vectors. When those gene sequences are contained in a single expression vector, in some embodiments, the polynucleotide sequences will be operably linked to a common control element wherein the common control element controls expression of all of the biosynthetic pathway protein-encoding gene sequences in the single expression vector (e.g., a promoter).

When a modified production host is genetically modified with heterologous DNA sequences encoding two or more proteins involved in a biosynthesis pathway, one of the DNA sequences can be operably linked to an inducible promoter, and one or more of the DNA sequences can be operably linked to a constitutive promoter.

In some embodiments, the intracellular concentration (i.e., the concentration within the genetically modified production host) of a biosynthetic pathway intermediate can be increased to further boost the yield of the final product. The intracellular concentration of the intermediate can be increased in a number of ways, including, but not limited to, increasing the concentration in the culture medium of a substrate for a biosynthetic pathway; increasing the catalytic activity of an enzyme that is active in the biosynthetic pathway; increasing the intracellular amount of a substrate (e.g., a primary substrate) for an enzyme that is active in the biosynthetic pathway; and the like.

In some examples, the fatty acid derivative or intermediate is produced in the cytoplasm of the production host. The cytoplasmic concentration can be increased in a number of ways, including, but not limited to, binding of the fatty acid to coenzyme A to form an acyl-CoA thioester. Additionally, the concentration of acyl-CoA can be increased by increasing the biosynthesis of CoA in the cell, such as by over-expressing genes associated with pantothenate biosynthesis (e.g., panD) or knocking out genes associated with glutathione biosynthesis (e.g., glutathione synthase).

Regulatory sequences, coding sequences, and combinations thereof, can be introduced or altered in the chromosome of the production host. In some examples, the integration of the desired recombinant sequence into the production host genomic sequence does not require the use of a selectable marker such as an antibiotic. In some examples, the genomic alterations include changing the control sequence of the target genes by replacing the native promoter(s) with a promoter that is insensitive to regulation. There are numerous approaches for doing this. For example, Valle and Flores, in Methods Mol. Biol., 267:113-122, 2006, describe a PCR-based method to overexpress chromosomal genes in E. coli. The content of Valle and Flores is incorporated by reference herein. Another approach is based on the use of single-stranded oligonucleotides to create specific mutations directly in the chromosome, using the technique developed by Court et al., PNAS (USA), 100:15748-15753, 2003, the content of which is also incorporated herein by reference. This technique is based on the use of the overexpression of the Beta protein from the bacteriophage lambda to enhance genetic recombination. The advantages of this approach include that synthetic oligonucleotides 70 bases long (or more) can be used to create point mutations, insertions, and deletions, thus eliminating any cloning steps. Furthermore, the system is sufficiently efficient that no markers are necessary to isolate the desired mutations.

With this approach the regulatory region of a gene can be changed to create a stronger promoter and/or eliminate the binding site of a repressor. Accordingly, a desired gene can be overexpressed in the production host organism.

IV. Fermentation

A. Maximizing Production Efficiency

Production and isolation of fatty acid derivatives can be enhanced by employing specific fermentation techniques. One method for maximizing production while reducing costs is increasing the percentage of the carbon source that is converted to hydrocarbon products.

During normal cellular lifecycles, carbon is used in cellular functions to produce lipids, saccharides, proteins, organic acids, and polynucleotides. Reducing the amount of carbon necessary for growth-related activities can increase the efficiency of carbon source conversion to output. This can be achieved by first growing microorganisms to a desired density, which is achieved at the peak of the growth log phase. Then, replication checkpoint genes can be harnessed to stop the growth of cells. Specifically, quorum sensing mechanisms (as reviewed in Camilli and Bassler, Science, 311:1113, 2006; Venturi, FEMS Microbio. Rev., 30:274-291, 2006; and Reading and Sperandio, FEMS Microbiol. Lett., 254:1-11, 2006, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein) can be used to activate genes associated with the stationary phase.

Genes that can be activated to stop cell replication and growth in E. coli include umuDC genes, the over-expression of which stops the progression from stationary phase to exponential growth (Murli et al., J. of Bact., 182:1127, 2000). UmuC is a DNA polymerase that can carry out translesion synthesis over non-coding lesions—the mechanistic basis of most UV and chemical mutagenesis. The umuDC gene products are used for the process of translesion synthesis and also serve as polynucleotide sequence damage checkpoints. The umuDC gene products include UmuC, UmuD, umuD′, UmuD′₂C, UmuD′₂, and/or UmuD₂. In the mean time, the product-producing genes can be activated, thus minimizing the need for replication and maintenance pathways to be used while the fatty acid derivative is being made. Production host microorganisms can also be engineered to express umuC and/or umuD from E. coli in pBAD24 under the prpBCDE promoter system through de novo synthesis of these genes with the appropriate end-product production genes.

The percentage of input carbons converted to fatty esters or hydrocarbon products is a cost driver. The more efficient the process is (i.e., the higher the percentage of input carbons converted to fatty esters or hydrocarbon products), the less expensive the process is. For oxygen-containing carbon sources (e.g., glucose and other carbohydrate based sources), the oxygen is released in the form of carbon dioxide. For every 2 oxygen atoms released, a carbon atom is also released, leading to a maximal theoretical metabolic efficiency of about 34% (w/w) (for fatty acid derived products). This figure, however, changes for other hydrocarbon products and carbon sources. Typical efficiencies in the literature are about <5%. Production hosts engineered to produce hydrocarbon products can have greater than about 1%, for example, greater than about 3%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, or 30% efficiency. In one example, production hosts will exhibit an efficiency of about 10% to about 25%. In other examples, such production hosts will exhibit an efficiency of about 25% to about 30%. In other examples, such production hosts will exhibit >30% efficiency.

The production host can be additionally engineered to express recombinant cellulosomes, such as those described in PCT application number PCT/US2007/003736, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, which can allow the production host to use cellulosic material as a carbon source. For example, the production host can be additionally engineered to express invertases (EC 3.2.1.26) so that sucrose can be used as a carbon source.

Similarly, the production host can be engineered using the teachings described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,000,000; 5,028,539; 5,424,202; 5,482,846; and 5,602,030, all incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, so that the production host can assimilate carbon efficiently and use cellulosic materials as carbon sources.

In one example, the fermentation chamber encloses a fermentation run/mixture that is undergoing a continuous reduction. In this instance, a stable reductive environment is created. The electron balance is maintained by the release of carbon dioxide (in gaseous form). Efforts to augment the NAD/H and NADP/H balance can also facilitate in stabilizing the electron balance.

The availability of intracellular NADPH can also be enhanced by engineering the production host to express an NADH:NADPH transhydrogenase. The expression of one or more NADH:NADPH transhydrogenases converts the NADH produced in glycolysis to NADPH which enhances the production of fatty acid derivatives.

B. Small-Scale Hydrocarbon Production

For small scale hydrocarbon product production, E. coli BL21(DE3) cells harboring pBAD24 (with ampicillin resistance and the end-product synthesis pathway) as well as pUMVC1 (with kanamycin resistance and the acetyl CoA/malonyl CoA over-expression system) are incubated overnight in 2 Liter flasks at 37° C., shaken at >200 rpm in 500 mL LB medium supplemented with 75 μg/mL ampicillin and 50 μg/mL kanamycin until the cultures reach an OD₆₀₀ of >0.8. Upon achieving an OD₆₀₀ of >0.8, cells are supplemented with 25 mM sodium propionate (at pH 8.0) to activate the engineered gene systems for production, and to stop cellular proliferation by activating UmuC and UmuD proteins. The induction step is performed for 6 hours at 30° C. After incubation, the medium is examined for hydrocarbon product using GC-MS.

C. Large-Scale Hydrocarbon Production

For large scale product production, the engineered production hosts are grown in batches of 10 Liter, 100 Liter, or larger; fermented; and induced to express the desired products based on the specific genes encoded in the appropriate plasmids therein.

For example, E. coli BL21(DE3) cells harboring pBAD24 (with ampicillin resistance and the end-product synthesis pathway) as well as pUMVC1 (with kanamycin resistance and the acetyl-CoA/malonyl-CoA overexpression) are incubated from a 500-mL seed culture for a 10-Liter fermentation run (or a 5-Liter seed culture for a 100-Liter fermentation) in an LB medium (glycerol free) containing 50 μg/mL kanamycin and 75 μg/mL ampicillin at 37° C., which is shaken at >200 rpm until the culture reaches an OD₆₀₀ of >0.8, a process that typically takes about 16 hours. The fermentation medium is continuously supplemented so as to maintain a sodium pohosphate of 25 mM, at pH 8.0, in order to activate the engineered gene systems for production, and to stop cellular proliferation by activating UmuC and UmuD proteins. The medium is also continuously supplemented with glucose to maintain a concentration of 25 g/100 mL.

After the first hour of induction, an aliquot of no more than 10% of the total cell volume is removed each hour and allowed to settle without agitation, which in turn allows the hydrocarbon product(s) to rise to the surface, undergoing a spontaneous phase separation. The hydrocarbon component is collected and the aqueous phase returned to the reaction chamber. The reaction chamber is operated continuously. When the OD₆₀₀ drops below about 0.6, the cells are replaced with a new batch grown from a seed culture.

For wax ester production, the wax esters are isolated, washed briefly in 1 M HCl, and returned to pH 7 through extensive washing with distilled water.

V. Post-Production Processing

The fatty acid derivatives produced during fermentation can be separated from the fermentation media. Any technique known for separating fatty acid derivatives from aqueous media can be used. An exemplary separation process is a two-phase (bi-phasic) separation process. This process involves fermenting the genetically engineered production hosts under conditions sufficient to produce a fatty acid derivative, allowing the derivative to collect in an organic phase, and separating the organic phase from the aqueous fermentation broth. This method can be practiced in both a batch and continuous fermentation setting.

Bi-phasic separation takes advantage of the relative immiscibility of fatty acid derivatives to facilitate separation. “Immiscibility” refers to the relative inability of a compound to dissolve in water and is defined and/or determined by the compounds partition coefficient. One or ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that by choosing a fermentation broth and organic phase such that the fatty acid derivative being produced has a high log P value, the fatty acid derivative will separate into the organic phase in the fermentation vessel, even at low concentrations.

The fatty acid derivatives produced in accordance to the compositions, vectors, cells, and methods herein will be relatively immiscible in the fermentation broth, as well as in the cytoplasm. Therefore, the fatty acid derivative will collect in an organic phase either intracellularly and/or extracellularly. The collection of the products in the organic phase will lessen the impact of the fatty acid derivatives on cellular function, and will allow the production host to produce greater amount of product for longer.

The fatty alcohols, fatty esters, waxes, and hydrocarbons produced in accordance to the disclosures herein allow for the production of homogeneous compounds wherein at least about 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, or 95% of the fatty alcohols, fatty esters, and waxes produced suitably have carbon chain lengths that vary by less than about 6, less than about 4 carbons, or less than about 2 carbons. These compounds can also be produced so that they have a relatively uniform degree of saturation, for example, at least about 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, or 95% of the fatty alcohols, fatty esters, hydrocarbons and waxes are monounsaturated, diunsaturated, or triunsaturated. These compounds can be used directly as products or components of products, for example, as fuels, detergents, lubricants, personal care additives, nutritional supplements etc. These compounds can also be used as feedstock for subsequent reactions to make other products, including, for example transesterification, hydrogenation, catalytic cracking (via hydrogenation, pyrolysis, or both), or epoxidation reactions.

The fatty alcohols, fatty esters, waxes, and hydrocarbons produced in accordance to the compositions, vectors, cells, and methods herein contain low levels of unwanted or undesired elements, including, but not limited to, heavy metals. In some embodiments, the fatty alcohols, fatty esters, waxes, and hydrocarbons produced as described herein suitably contain less than about 50 ppm arsenic; less than about 300 ppm calcium; less than about 200 ppm chlorine; less than about 50 ppm cobalt; less than about 50 ppm copper; less than about 300 ppm iron; less than about 2% by weight of water; less than about 50 ppm lead; less than about 50 ppm manganese; less than about 0.2 ppm mercury; less than about 50 ppm molybdenum; less than about 1% by weight of nitrogen; less than about 200 ppm potassium; less than about 300 ppm sodium; less than about 3% by weight of sulfur; less than 50 ppm zinc; and/or less than 700 ppm phosphorus.

In some embodiments, the fatty alcohols, fatty esters, waxes, and hydrocarbons produced in accordance to the disclosures herein contain between about 50% and about 90% carbon; between about 5% and about 25% hydrogen; or between about 5% and about 25% oxygen. In other embodiments, the fatty alcohols, fatty esters, waxes, and hydrocarbons produced as described herein contain between about 65% and about 85% carbon; between about 10% and about 15% hydrogen; or between about 10% and about 20% oxygen.

VI. Fuel Compositions

As provided herein, certain fatty acid derivatives made according to the methods and compositions described herein possess various advantageous characteristics for use as a fuel. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that, depending upon the intended purpose of the fuel, different fatty acid derivatives may have advantages as compared to others fatty acid derivatives. For example, branched fatty acid derivatives may be more desirable as automobile fuels or components of automobile fuels that are intended for uses in cold climates. Similarly, for certain applications, it may be advantageous to produce a fuel that is either more or less oxygenated or more or less saturated.

Using the methods described herein, fuels comprising relatively homogeneous fatty acid derivatives that at the same time have the desired characteristics/qualities can be produced. Such fatty acid derivative-based fuels can be characterized by carbon fingerprinting, and their lack of impurities, when compared to petroleum derived fuels or biodiesel derived from triglyceride, is also advantageous. The fatty acid derivative-based fuels can be combined with other fuels or fuel additives to produce fuels having desired properties.

The production hosts and methods disclosed herein can be used to produce free fatty acids and fatty esters. In some embodiments, the production hosts and methods disclosed herein can be used to produce a higher and/or improved titer or yield of fatty acid derivatives, including, for example, free fatty acids and/or fatty esters. In some embodiments, the percentage of free fatty acids in the product produced by the production host is at least about 1%, for example, at least about 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 15%, 20%, or 25%. In some embodiments, the percentage of fatty esters in the product produced by the production host is at least about 50%, for example, at least about 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, or 90%. In some embodiments, the ratio of fatty esters to free fatty acids in the product produced by the production host is about 10:1, 9:1, 8:1, 7:1, 5:1, 2:1, or 1:1. In certain embodiments, the fatty ester produced by the production host is ethyl dodecanoate, ethyl tridecanoate, ethyl tetradecanoate, ethyl pentadecanoate, ethyl cis-9-hexadecenoate, ethyl hexadecanoate, ethyl heptadecanoate, ethyl cis-11-octadecenoate, ethyl octadecanoate, or combinations thereof. In certain other embodiments, the fatty ester produced by the production is methyl dedecanoate, methyl tridecanoate, methyl tetradecanoate, methyl pentadecanoate, methyl cis-9-hexadecenoate, methyl hexadecanoate, methyl heptadecanoate, methyl cis-11-octadecenoate, methyl octadecanoate, or combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the free fatty acid produced by the production host is dodecanoic acid, tetradecanoic acid, pentadecanoic acid, cis-9-hexadecenoic acid, hexadecanoic acid, cis-11-octadecenoic acid, or combinations thereof.

The production hosts and methods disclosed herein can be used to produce different proportions of free fatty acids and fatty esters. In some embodiments, the proportion of free fatty acids in the product can be modified according to the methods, compositions, vectors and cells described herein such that the proportion is higher or lower vs. the fatty esters that are produced. In certain related embodiments, the proportion of fatty esters in the product can also be modified according to the disclosures herein, such that the proportion is higher or lower vs. the other products, for example, the free fatty acids, that are produced. In certain other embodiments, the proportional yield of fatty acid derivative with certain carbon chain lengths can be increased or decreased.

A. Carbon Fingerprinting

Biologically produced fatty acid derivatives represent a new source of fuels, such as alcohols, diesel, and gasoline. Biofuels made according to the methods and compositions described herein have not heretofore been produced from renewable sources and are new compositions of matter. These new fuels can be distinguished from fuels derived from petrochemical carbon on the basis of dual carbon-isotopic fingerprinting. Additionally, the specific source of biosourced carbon (e.g., glucose vs. glycerol) can be determined by dual carbon-isotopic fingerprinting (see U.S. Pat. No. 7,169,588, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety, in particular, at col. 4, line 31, to col. 6, line 8).

The fatty acid derivatives and the associated biofuels, chemicals, and mixtures can be distinguished from their petrochemical derived counterparts on the basis of ¹⁴C (f_(M)) and dual carbon-isotopic fingerprinting.

The fatty acid derivatives described herein have utility in the production of biofuels and chemicals. The new fatty acid derivative-based products provided by the instant invention additionally can be distinguished on the basis of dual carbon-isotopic fingerprinting from those materials derived solely from petrochemical sources. The ability to distinguish these products is beneficial in tracking these materials in commerce. For example, fuels or chemicals comprising both “new” and “old” carbon isotope profiles can be distinguished from fuels and chemicals made only of “old” materials. Thus, the instant materials can be followed or “tracked” in commerce or identified in commerce as a biofuel on the basis of their unique profile. In addition, other competing materials can be identified as being biologically derived or derived from a petrochemical source.

In some examples, a biofuel composition is made, which includes a fatty acid derivative having δ¹³C of from about −10.9 to about −15.4, wherein the fatty acid derivative accounts for at least about 85% of biosourced material (i.e., derived from a renewable resource such as, for example, cellulosic materials and sugars) in the composition. In other examples, the biofuel composition includes a fatty acid derivative having the formula:

X—(CH(R))_(n)CH₃

wherein

-   -   X=CH₃, —CH₂OR¹; —C(O)OR²; or —C(O)NR³R⁴;     -   R=for each n, independently absent, an H, or a lower aliphatic;     -   n=an integer from about 8 to about 34, preferably an integer         from about 10 to about 24;     -   R¹, R², R³, R⁴=independently selected from an H or a lower         alkyl.

Typically, when R is a lower aliphatic group, R represents a branched, unbranched or cyclic lower alkyl or lower alkenyl moiety. Exemplary R groups include, without limitation, methyl, isopropyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, cyclopentenyl, and the like. The fatty acid derivative is additionally characterized as having a δ¹³C of from about −10.9 to about −15.4, and the fatty acid derivative accounts for at least about 85% of biosourced material in the composition. In some examples the fatty acid derivative in the biofuel composition is characterized by having a fraction of modern carbon (f_(M) ¹⁴C) of at least about 1.003, 1.010, or 1.5.

B. Impurities

The fatty acid derivatives prepared in accordance with the disclosures herein are useful as components of or for making biofuels as well as other industrial chemicals. These fatty acid derivatives are made directly from fatty acids and not from the chemical processing of triglycerides. Accordingly, fuels and other industrial chemicals comprising the disclosed fatty acid derivatives often contain fewer impurities than are normally associated with, for example, products derived from triglycerides such as fuels derived from vegetable oils and fats.

The crude fatty acid derivative biofuels prepared in accordance with the disclosures herein (prior to mixing the fatty acid derivative with other fuels such as petroleum-based fuels) contain less transesterification catalysts than petroleum-based diesel or other biodiesel produced via one or more transesterification steps. The fatty acid derivative can contain less than about 2.0%, for example, less than about 1.5%, 1.0%, 0.5%, 0.3%, 0.1%, 0.05%, or 0% of a transesterification catalyst or an impurity resulting from a transesterification catalyst. Non-limiting examples of transesterification catalysts include hydroxide catalysts, such as NaOH, KOH, and LiOH; and acidic catalysts, such as mineral acid catalysts and Lewis acid catalysts. Non-limiting examples of catalysts and impurities resulting from transesterification catalysts include tin, lead, mercury, cadmium, zinc, titanium, zirconium, hafnium, boron, aluminum, phosphorus, arsenic, antimony, bismuth, calcium, magnesium, strontium, uranium, potassium, sodium, lithium, and combinations thereof.

The crude fatty acid derivative biofuels prepared in accordance with the disclosures herein (prior to mixing the fatty acid derivatives with one or more other fuels) tend to have a low gelling point, especially when the fatty acid derivative product comprises a C_(16:1) ethyl ester or a C_(18:1) ethyl ester, as compared to the gelling points of other types of biofuels.

Similarly, the crude fatty acid derivative biofuels prepared in accordance with the disclosures herein (prior to mixing the fatty acid derivative(s) with one or more other fuels such as petroleum-based diesels or other biodiesels) contain less glycerol (or glycerin) than biofuels made from triglycerides. The fatty acid derivative(s) can contain less than about 2.0%, for example, less than about 1.5%, 1.0%, 0.5%, 0.3%, 0.1%, 0.05%, or 0% by weight of glycerol.

Crude biofuels derived from the fatty acid derivatives herein also contain less free alcohol(s) (e.g., alcohols that are used to create the ester) than biodiesels made from triglycerides. This is due in part to the efficiency of utilization of the alcohols by the production hosts of the present disclosure. For example, the fatty acid derivative(s) can contain less than about 2.0%, 1.5%, 1.0%, 0.5%, 0.3%, 0.1%, 0.05%, or 0% by weight of free alcohol.

Biofuel derived from the disclosed fatty acid derivatives can be additionally characterized by its low concentration of sulfur as compared to petroleum-derived diesel. Biofuel derived from fatty acid derivatives herein can have less than about 2.0%, for example, less than about 1.5%, 1.0%, 0.5%, 0.3%, 0.1%, 0.05%, or 0% by weight of sulfur.

C. Additives and Fuel Compositions

Fuel additives are used to enhance the performance of a fuel or engine. For example, fuel additives can be used to alter the freezing/gelling points, cloud points, lubricity, viscosity, oxidative stability, ignition quality, octane levels, and flash points. In the United States, all fuel additives must be registered with Environmental Protection Agency. The names of fuel additives and the companies that sell the fuel additives are publicly available by contacting the EPA or by viewing the agency's website. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the fatty acid derivatives described herein can be mixed with one or more fuel additives to impart a desired quality.

The fatty acid derivatives described herein can be formulated into suitable fuel additives, which enhances the performance of fuels or engines. For example, the fatty acid derivatives described herein can be formulated into lubricity improvers, which impart desirable properties such as wear protection to the engine parts. Accordingly, additive compositions comprising the fatty acid derivatives produced in accordance with the disclosures herein are provided. In another example, the fatty acid derivatives described herein can be formulated into corrosion inhibitors.

The fatty acid derivatives described herein can be mixed with other fuels such as one or more biodiesels derived from triglycerides, various alcohols such as ethanol and butanol, and petroleum-derived products such as gasoline or diesel. Under certain circumstances, a fatty acid derivative with a low gelling point, such as a C_(16:1) ethyl ester or a C_(18:1) ethyl ester, is produced. This low gelling point fatty acid derivative can be mixed with one or more biodiesels made from triglycerides to reduce gelling point of the resulting fuel when compared to a fuel containing only the one or more biodiesels made from triglycerides. Similarly, a fatty acid derivative, such as a C_(16:1) ethyl ester or a C_(18:1) ethyl ester, can be mixed with a petroleum-derived diesel to provide a mixture that contains at least about, and often greater than about, 5% by weight of biodiesel. In some examples, the fuel mixture includes at least about 10%, 15%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, and 60% by weight of the fatty acid derivative.

In some embodiments, the fuel composition can further comprise a synthetic fuel. Any synthetic fuel obtained from coal, natural gas, or biomass can be suitably used. In a further embodiments, the synthetic fuel comprises a Fischer-Tropsch based fuel, a Bergius-based fuel, a Mobil-based fuel, a Karrick-based fuel, or a combination thereof. In still further embodiments, the synthetic fuel comprises a Coal-To-Liquids based fuel (CTL-based fuel), a Gas-To-Liquids based fuel (GTL-based fuel), a Biomass-To-Liquids based fuel (BTL-based fuel), a Coal and Biomass-To-Liquids based fuel (CBTL-based fuel), or a combination thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the synthetic fuel comprises a Fischer-Tropsch-based fuel.

The amount of synthetic fuel in the fuel composition disclosed herein may be from about 5% to about 90%, from about 5% to about 80%, from about 5% to about 70%, from about 5% to about 60%, or from about 5% to about 50%.

In certain embodiments, a biofuel composition can be made that includes at least about 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 85%, 90% or 95% of a fatty acid derivative that includes a carbon chain that is 8:0, 10:0, 12:0, 14:0, 14:1, 16:0, 16:1, 18:0, 18:1, 18:2, 18:3, 20:0, 20:1, 20:2, 20:3, 22:0, 22:1 or 22:3. Such biofuel compositions can additionally include at least one additive selected from a cloud point lowering additive that can lower the cloud point to less than about 5° C., or less than about 0° C.; a surfactant; a microemulsion; at least about 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, or 95% diesel fuel from triglycerides; a petroleum-derived gasoline; or a diesel fuel from petroleum.

In some embodiments, the fuel composition comprising the fatty esters produced in accordance with the methods, vectors, cells and compositions herein further comprises one or more diesel fuel additives. Suitable additives are desirably those that afford improved performance but also compatibility with the components in the fuel composition and devices that are typically associated with diesel engines. Illustrative examples of other suitable fuel additives include ignition improvers or cetane number improvers, detergents, dispersants, antiwear agents, viscosity index modifiers, friction modifiers, lubricity improvers, stabilizers, antioxidants, corrosion inhibitors, biocides, metal deactivators, and minor amounts of other optional additives, including, without limitation, antifoaming agents and seal fixes.

In particular embodiments, ignition improvers or cetane number improvers are often added to improve diesel engine performance. Exemplary cetane number improvers include 2′-ethylhexyl nitrate, and other alkyl nitrates. Cetane number improvers can be added to a fuel composition in an amount that is about 0.01 wt. % to about 1.0 wt. %, for example, about 0.05 wt. % to about 0.5 wt. %, based on the total weight of the fuel composition.

In certain embodiments, various detergents and/or dispersants can be included in the fuel composition comprising the fatty ester produced in accordance with the present disclosures to associate and disperse or remove harmful deposits from diesel engine parts. Suitable detergents typically comprise a polar head comprising a metal salt of an acidic organic compound and a long hydrophobic tail. Exemplary detergents include borated carbonate salts, borated sulfonate salts, which are preferably overbased. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,744,920, 4,965,003, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein. Exemplary dispersants include, without limitation, carboxylic dispersants, succinimide dispersants, amine dispersants, and Mannich dispersants. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,172,892, 3,438,757, 3,980,569, and 6,165,235, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein. Dispersants can be present in the fuel composition in an amount of about 0.01 wt. % to about 0.1 wt. %, for example, 0.03 to about 0.05 wt. %, based on the total weight of the fuel composition.

In certain embodiments, antiwear agents, including for example, dihydrocarbyl dithiophosphate metal salts, can be added to the fuel composition to provide both antiwear and antioxidation benefits. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,898,023, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

In particular embodiments, the amount of lubricity improver in the fuel composition can range from about 1 ppm to about 50,000 ppm, for example, about 10 ppm to about 20,000 ppm, or about 25 ppm to about 10,000 ppm. Non-limiting examples of lubricity improvers include esters and fatty acids, which may or may not be the same as those produced in accordance to the methods described herein.

In particular embodiments, the amount of stabilizers, which improves the storage stability of the fuel composition, can range from about 0.001 wt. % to about 2 wt. %, for example about 0.01 wt. % to about 1 wt. %, based on the total weight of the fuel composition. An exemplary stabilizer is a tertiary alkyl primary amine.

Antioxidants prevent the formation of gum depositions on fuel system components due to oxidation of the fuels in storage and/or inhibit the formation of peroxide compounds in certain fuel compositions. The amount of antioxidants can be ranged from about 0.001 wt. % to about 5 wt. %, for example, from about 0.01 wt. % to about 1 wt. %, based on the total weight of the fuel composition.

Corrosion inhibitors protect ferrous metals in fuel handling systems, such as pipelines and storage tanks, from corrosion. Certain corrosion inhibitors are also known to impart additional lubricity, and as such are particularly suitable when additional lubricity is desired. The corrosion inhibitor may be present in the fuel composition in an amount of about 0.001 wt. % to about 5 wt. %, for example, from about 0.01 wt. % to about 1 wt. %, based on the total weight of the fuel composition.

Biocides are used to combat microbial growth in the fuel composition, which may be present in the fuel composition at a concentration of about 0.001 wt. % to about 5 wt. %, for example, from about 0.01 wt. % to about 1 wt. %, based on the total weight of the fuel composition.

Metal deactivators suppress the catalytic effects of some metals, particularly copper, have on fuel oxidation, which can be present in the fuel composition in an amount of about 0.001 wt. % to about 5 wt. %, for example, at 0.01 wt. % to about 1 wt. %, based on the total weight of the fuel composition.

In addition, viscosity improvers, which are typically polymeric materials of number average molecular weights of from about 5,000 to about 250,000, and friction modifiers, which are typically sulfur-containing organo-molybdenum compounds can be added in minor amounts. Foam inhibitors, which typically include alkyl methacrylate polymers or dimethyl silicon polymers, can also be added to the fuel composition in an amount of less than about 10 ppm. Furthermore, seal fixes can be added to insure proper elastomer sealing and prevent premature seal failure can be included in the fuel composition.

Examples

The examples that follow illustrate the engineering of production hosts to produce specific fatty acid derivatives. The biosynthetic pathways involved in the production of fatty acid derivatives are illustrated in the figures.

For example, FIG. 3 is a diagram of the FAS pathway depicting the enzymes directly involved in the synthesis of acyl-ACP. To increase the production of fatty acid derivatives, such as waxes, fatty esters, fatty alcohols, and hydrocarbons, one or more of the enzymes described therein can be over expressed or mutated to reduce feedback inhibition, in order to increase the amount of acyl-ACP produced. Additionally, enzymes that metabolize the intermediates to make non-fatty acid based products (e.g., side reactions) can be functionally deleted or attenuated to increase the flux of carbon through the fatty acid biosynthetic (FAS) pathway. In the examples below, many production hosts are described that have been modified to increase fatty acid production.

FIGS. 4 and 5 depict biosynthetic pathways that can be engineered to make fatty esters and fatty alcohols, respectively. The conversion of each substrate (e.g., acetyl-CoA, malonyl-CoA, acyl-ACP, fatty acid, and acyl-CoA) to each product (e.g., acetyl-CoA, malonyl-CoA, acyl-ACP, fatty acid, acyl-CoA, fatty aldehydes, fatty esters, and fatty alcohols) can be accomplished using several different polypeptides that are members of the enzyme classes indicated.

The examples below describe microorganisms that have been engineered or can be engineered to produce specific fatty alcohols, fatty esters, and hydrocarbons.

Example 1. Production Host Construction

An exemplary production host is LS9001. LS9001 was produced by modifying C41(DE3) from Overexpress (Saint Beausine, France) to knockout the fadE gene (acyl-CoA dehydrogenase).

Briefly, the fadE knockout strain of E. coli was prepared using primers YafV_NotI and Ivry_Ol to amplify about 830 bp upstream of fadE and primers Lpcaf of and LpcaR_Bam to amplify about 960 bp downstream of fadE. Overlap PCR was used to create a construct for in-frame deletion of the complete fadE gene. The fadE deletion construct was cloned into the temperature-sensitive plasmid pKOV3, which contained a sacB gene for counterselection, and a chromosomal deletion of fadE was made according to the method of Link et al., J. Bact. 179:6228-6237, 1997. The resulting strain was not capable of degrading fatty acids and fatty acyl-CoAs. This knockout strain is herein designated as E. coli (DE3, ΔfadE).

Another fadE deletion strain, MG1655, was constructed according to the procedures described by Datsenko et al., PNAS (USA), 97:6640-6645 (2000), with the modifications described below. The two primers used to create the deletion were:

Del-fadE-F: (SEQ ID NO: 69) 5′- AAAAACAGCAACAATGTGAGCTTTGTTGTAATTATATTGTAAACATATTG ATTCCGGGGATCCGTCGACC; and Del-fadE-R: (SEQ ID NO: 70) 5′- AAACGGAGCCTTTCGGCTCCGTTATTCATTTACGCGGCTTCAACTTTCCT GTAGGCTGGAGCTGCTTC.

The Del-fadE-F and Del-fadE-R primers each contain 50 bases of homology to the E. coli fadE gene and were used to amplify the Kanamycin resistance cassette from plasmid pKD13 by PCT as described. The resulting PCR product was used to transform electrocompetent E. coli MG1655 cells containing pKD46. The cells were previously induced with arabinose for 3-4 hours as described by Datsenko, supra. Following 3 hours of outgrowth in an SOC medium at 37° C., the cells were plated on Luria agar plates containing 50 μg/mL of Kanamycin. Resistant colonies were isolated after an overnight incubation at 37° C. Disruption of the fadE gene was confirmed in some of the colonies by PCR amplication using primers fadE-L2 and fadE-R1, which were designed to flank the fadE gene.

(SEQ ID NO: 71) fadE-L2 5′-CGGGCAGGTGCTATGACCAGGAC; and (SEQ ID NO: 72) fadE-R1 5′-CGCGGCGTTGACCGGCAGCCTGG

After the proper fadE deletion was confirmed, one colony was used to remove the Km^(R) marker using the pCP20 plasmid. The resulting strain is designed as MG1655 (ΔfadE).

The fadE-deleted hosts were subject to further adjustments. A plasmid carrying the four genes that are responsible for acetyl-CoA carboxylase activity in E. coli (accA, accB, accC, and accD, GenBank Accession Nos: NP_414727, NP_417721, NP_417722, NP_416819, EC 6.4.1.2) were introduced. The accABCD genes were cloned in two steps as bicistronic operons into the NcoI/HindIII and NdeI/AvrII sites of pACYCDuet-1 (Novagen, Madison, Wis.), and the resulting plasmid was designated as pAS004.126. Alternatively, the production host was engineered to express accABCD from Lactobacillus plantarum.

Additional modifications that were included in a production host included the following: overexpression of aceEF (encoding the E1p dehydrogenase component and the E2p dihydrolipoamide acyltransferase component of the pyruvate and 2-oxoglutarate dehydrogenase complexes); and fabH/fabD/fabG/acpP/fabF (encoding FAS) from E. coli, Nitrosomonas europaea (ATCC 19718), Bacillus subtilis, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Streptomyces spp, Ralstonia, Rhodococcus, Corynebacteria, Brevibacteria, Mycobacteria, and oleaginous yeast. Similarly, production hosts were engineered to express accABCD (encoding acetyl CoA carboxylase) from Pisum savitum. However, when the production host was also producing butanol it was found less desirable to express the Pisum savitum homolog.

In some production hosts, genes were knocked out or attenuated using the method of Link, et al., J. Bacteriol. 179:6228-6237, 1997. Genes that were knocked out or attenuated included gpsA (encoding biosynthetic sn-glycerol 3-phosphate dehydrogenase, GenBank Accession No. NP_418065, EC: 1.1.1.94); ldhA (encoding lactate dehydrogenase, GenBank Accession No. NP_415898, EC: 1.1.1.28); pflb (encoding formate acetyltransferase 1, GenBank Accession No. P09373, EC: 2.3.1.54); adhE (encoding alcohol dehydrogenase, GenBank Accession No. CAA47743, EC: 1.1.1.1, 1.2.1.10); pta (encoding phosphotransacetylase, GenBank Accession No. NP_416800, EC: 2.3.1.8); poxB (encoding pyruvate oxidase, GenBank Accession No. NP_415392, EC: 1.2.2.2); ackA (encoding acetate kinase, GenBank Accession No. NP_416799, EC: 2.7.2.1), and combinations thereof.

Similarly, the PlsB[D311E] mutation was introduced into LS9001 to attenuate plsB for the fadE deletion. This mutation decreased the amount of carbon diverted to phospholipid production. An allele encoding PlsB[D311E] was made by replacing the GAC codon for aspartate 311 with a GAA codon for glutamate. The altered allele was prepared by gene synthesis and the chromosomal plsB wildtype allele was exchanged for the mutant plsB [D311E] allele using the method of Link et al. (see supra).

Example 2. Production Host Modifications

The following plasmids were constructed for the expression of various proteins that are used in the synthesis of fatty acid derivatives. The constructs were prepared using standard molecular biology methods. All the cloned genes were put under the control of IPTG-inducible promoters (e.g., a T7 promoter, a tac promoter, or a lac promoter).

The ‘tesA gene (thioesterase A gene, GenBank Accession No. NP_415027 without leader sequence (SEQ ID NO:31) (Cho and Cronan, J. Biol. Chem., 270:4216-9, 1995, EC: 3.1.1.5, 3.1.2.-)) of E. coli was cloned into an NdeI/AvrII digested pETDuet-1 vector (pETDuet-1 described herein is available from Novagen, Madison, Wis.). Genes encoding FatB-type plant thioesterases (TEs) from Umbellularia californica, Cuphea hookeriana, and Cinnamonum camphorum (GenBank Accession Nos: UcFatB1=AAA34215, ChFatB2=AAC49269, ChFatB3=AAC72881, CcFatB=AAC49151) were individually cloned into three different vectors: (i) NdeI/AvrII digested pETDuet-1; (ii) XhoI/HindIII digested pBluescript KS+(Stratagene, La Jolla, Calif., to create N-terminal lacZ::TE fusion proteins); and (iii) XbaI/HindIII digested pMAL-c2X (New England Lab, Ipswich, Mass.) (to create n-terminal malE::TE fusions). The fadD gene (encoding acyl-CoA synthase) from E. coli was cloned into a NcoI/HindIII digested pCDFDuet-1 derivative, which contained the acr1 gene (acyl-CoA reductase) from Acinetobacter baylyi ADP1 within its NdeI/AvrII sites.

Table 7 provides a summary of the plasmids generated to make several exemplary production hosts.

TABLE 7 Summary of plasmids used in production hosts Source Organism GenBank Accession Plasmid Gene Product No. & EC number pETDuet-1-’TesA E. coli Accessions: NP_415027, ‘TesA EC: 3.1.1.5, 3.1.2.- pETDuet-1-TEuc Umbellularia californica Q41635 pBluescript-TEuc UcFatB1 pMAL-c2X-TEuc AAA34215 pETDuet-1-TEch Cuphea hookeriana ABB71581 pBluescript-TEch ChFatB2 AAC49269 pMAL-c2X-TEch ChFatB3 AAC72881 pETDuet-1-TEcc Cinnamonum camphorum pBluescript-TEcc CcFabB AAC49151 TEci pETDuet-1-atFatA3 Arabidopsis thaliana NP_189147 pETDuet-1-HaFatA1 Helianthus annuus AAL769361 pCDFDuet-1-fadD-acr1 E. coli fadD:Accessions NP_416319, EC 6.2.1.3 acr1:Accessions YP_047869 pETDuet-1-’TesA E. coli Accessions: NP_415027, ‘TesA EC: 3.1.1.5, 3.1.2.- pETDuet-1-TEuc Umbellularia californica Q41635 pBluescript-TEuc UcFatB1 AAA34215 pMAL-c2X-TEuc pETDuet-1-TEch Cuphea hookeriana ABB71581 pBluescript-TEch ChFatB2 AAC49269 pMAL-c2X-TEch ChFatB3 AAC72881 pETDuet-1-TEcc Cinnamonumcamphorum pBluescript-TEcc CcFatB AAC49151 TEci pCDFDuet-1-fadD-acr1 E. coli fadD: Accessions NP_416319, EC 6.2.1.3 acr1: Accessions YP_047869

One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that different plasmids and genomic modifications can be used to achieve similar strains.

The selected expression plasmids contained compatible replicons and antibiotic resistance markers to produce a four-plasmid expression system.

In some embodiments, LS9001 can be co-transformed with: (i) any of the TE-expressing plasmids; (ii) the fadD-expressing plasmid, which also expresses acr1; and (iii) ester synthase expression plasmid.

As will be clear to one of ordinary skill in the art, when LS9001 is induced with IPTG, the resulting strain will produce increased concentrations of fatty alcohols from carbon sources such as glucose.

Example 3. Production of Fatty Alcohol in the Recombinant E. coli Strain

Fatty alcohols were produced by expressing a thioesterase gene and an acyl-CoA reductase gene exogenously in a production host. More specifically, plasmids pCDFDuet-1-fadD-acr1 (acyl-CoA reductase) and pETDuet-1-‘TesA (thioesterase) were transformed into E. coli strain LS9001 and corresponding transformants were selected using LB plates supplemented with 100 mg/L spectinomycin and 50 mg/L carbenicillin. Four transformants of LS9001/pCDFDuet-1-fadD-acr1 were independently inoculated into 3 mL of an M9 medium supplemented with 50 mg/L carbenicillin and 100 mg/L spectinomycin. The samples containing the transformants were cultured at 25° C. in a shaker (shaking at about 250 rpm) until they reached 0.5 OD₆₀₀. Next, 1.5 mL of each sample was transferred into a 250 mL flask containing 30 mL of the M9 medium described above. The resulting culture was grown at 25° C. in a shaker until it reached an OD₆₀₀ of between 0.5-1.0. IPTG was then added to a final concentration of 1 mM. Cell growth continued for 40 hours.

The cells were then centrifuged and pelleted at 4,000 rpm. The cell pellet was suspended in 1.0 mL of methanol. 3 mL of ethyl acetate was then mixed with the suspended cells, followed by the addition of 3 mL of H₂O. Next, the mixture was sonicated for 20 minutes. The resulting sample was centrifuged at 4,000 rpm for 5 minutes. Then the organic phase (the upper phase), which contained fatty alcohol(s), was subjected to GC/MS analysis. The total alcohol (including tetradecanol, hexadecanol, hexadecenol, and octadecenol) titer was about 1-10 mg/L. When an E. coli strain carrying only empty vectors was cultured under the same conditions and following the same protocol, a fatty alcohols titer of only 0.2-0.5 mg/L was obtained.

Example 4. Production of Fatty Acids (FA) and Fatty Acid Ethyl Esters (FAEE) Containing Odd-Numbered Carbon Chains without Heavy Metals

1. Production of Biodiesel Sample #23-30

Biodiesel sample #23-30 (“sample #23-30”) was produced by bioreactor cultivation of an E. coli strain (C41 DE3 ΔfadE ΔfabR ‘TesA fadD adp1ws) engineered to produce fatty esters. A two-stage inoculum protocol was utilized for expansion of the culture. The first stage consisted of the inoculation of a 50 mL LB medium (supplemented with 100 μg/L carbenicillin and 100 μg/L spectinomycin) in a 250 mL baffled shake flask with a 1 mL frozen stock vial of the E. coli ester production strain. This seed flask was incubated at 37° C. for about 7 hours (final OD₆₀₀=4.5, pH 6.7), after which 3 mL of the primary culture was transferred to each of three 2 L baffled flasks containing 350 mL buffered F1 minimal medium that also contained 100 μg/L carbenicillin and 100 μg/L spectinomycin. The shake flask buffer used was Bis-Tris propane at a final concentration of 200 mM (pH 7.2). These secondary seed flasks were incubated at 37° C. for about 18 hours (final OD₆₀₀=12, pH 5.5) and the contents were used to inoculate three 14 L bioreactors with a starting volume of 6.5 liters of buffered F1 minimal medium following inoculation. These bioreactors also contained 100 μg/L carbenicillin and 100 g/L spectinomycin.

These 14 L bioreactors were initially cultivated at 37° C., and the dissolved oxygen levels were maintained at 30% of saturation, using the agitation and oxygen enrichment cascade loops. The pH of the fermentation mix was maintained at 7.2, using 1 M H₂SO₄ and anhydrous ammonia gas. A nutrient feed consisting primarily of 43% (w/v) glucose was initiated in each bioreactor when the original 5 g/L glucose charge in the basal medium was exhausted. The glucose solution feed rate was then manually adjusted for the duration of the fermentation run to keep the residual glucose at a low (but non-zero) value for the duration of the fermentation run. Cultures were induced with a final concentration of 1 mM IPTG when the OD₆₀₀ of the cultures reached 30. At this induction point, the bioreactor cultivation temperature was reduced to 30° C., and about 15 mL/L (on a 6.5 to 7-Liter volume basis) of ethanol was added to the culture and monitored by HPLC throughout. Additional ethanol was added periodically to the bioreactors to maintain the residual concentrations at about 20 mL/L. The contents of the bioreactors were harvested after about 60 hours of cultivation, with about 10 L of the broth harvested from each of the three bioreactors.

These harvest broths were combined and extracted with an equivalent volume of ethyl acetate with stirring at room temperature for two hours. The broth extracts were then centrifuged (3,500 rpm, 30 minutes) to separate the liquid layers, followed by the removal of the organic layer for further processing. Ethyl acetate was almost completely removed (<0.3% residual, as determined by GC/FID) from the organic layer using rotary evaporation (Büchi, R-200), leaving about 90 mL of a dark, oily liquid. This liquid was referred to as sample #23-30.

2. Quantification of FA and FAEE in Sample #23-30

GC-MS was performed using an Agilent 5975B MSD system equipped with a 30 m×0.25 mm (0.10 μm film) DB-5 column. The column temperature was 3-minute isothermal at 100° C. The temperature of the column was programmed to rise from 100° C. to 320° C. at a rate of 20° C./min. When the final temperature of 320° C. was reached, the column remained isothermal for 5 minutes at that temperature. The injection volume was 1 μL. The carrier gas, helium, was released at 1.3 mL/min. The mass spectrometer was equipped with an electron impact ionization source. The ionization source temperature was set at 300° C. FAEE standards (e.g., ethyl dodecanoate, ethyl tetradecanoate, ethyl cis-9-hexadecenoate, ethyl hexadecanoate, ethyl octadecanoate, all >99%); fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) standards (e.g., methyl dodecanoate, methyl tetradecanoate, methyl pentadecanoate, methyl cis-9-hexadecenoate, methyl hexadecanoate, methyl cis-11-octadecenoate, all >99%); trimethylsilyl diazomethane (TMSD, 2 M in hexane); hydrochloric acid (37%); methanol (>99.9%); and ethyl acetate (>99.9%) were purchased from Sigma-Aldrich and applied without prior purification.

Sample #23-30 was derivatized by adding 50 μL trimethylsilyldiazomethane (TMSD), 8 μl HCl, and 36 μl methanol to 1 mL of sample (1 mg/mL in ethyl acetate). The mixture was incubated at room temperature for 1 hour.

Prior to quantitation, the FAEE and FAME in sample #23-30 were identified using two methods. First, the GC retention time of each compound was compared to the retention time of a known standard. Second, identification of each compound was confirmed by matching the compound's mass spectrum to a standard's mass spectrum in the mass spectra library.

When a standard for a FAEE or FAME was available, the quantification of the FAEE or FAME was determined by generating a calibration curve (concentration vs. instrument response). A linear relationship between the instrument response and the analyte concentration was then obtained. The concentration of the compound in the sample was determined by taking its instrument response and referring to the calibration curve.

When a standard for an FAEE was not available, an average instrument response was used to determine the compound's concentrations. The slope and the intercept for all existing calibration curves were averaged. From these averages, a linear relationship between concentration and instrument response was determined. The concentrations of unknown compounds were then determined by referencing the instrument responses to the linear relationship between instrument response and concentration using Equation 1.

concentration=(instrument response−average interception)/average slope  Equation 1:

After identifying and quantifying the FAME, the concentration of the associated free fatty acids was determined based upon the concentration of FAME and the molecular weight ratio of FA to FAME. Finally, the concentration of FAEE and FA in mg/L was converted into percentage in the biodiesel sample (w/w %).

The concentrations of FAEE and FA in sample #23-30 are listed in Table 8. The total concentration of FAEEs and FAs was 80.7%. The rest of the unknown compounds may be analyzed by LC/MS/MS method. Ethyl pentadecanoate, ethyl cis-9-hexadecenoate, ethyl hexadecanoate and ethyl cis-11-octadecenoate were the major component of sample #23-30.

TABLE 8 Percentage of FAEE and FA in sample #23-30 Name Structure MW Percentage, % Ethyl dodecanoate

228.2  1.82 ± 0.03 Ethyl tridecanoate

242.2  0.16 ± 0.01 Ethyl tetradecanoate

256.2 12.88 ± 0.16 Ethyl pentadecanoate

270.3  0.62 ± 0.02 Ethyl cis-9- hexadecenoate

282.3 24.12 ± 0.20 Ethyl hexadecanoate

284.3  9.04 ± 0.11 Ethyl heptadecanoate

298.3  0.11 ± 0.01 Ethyl cis-11- octadecenoate

310.3 23.09 ± 0.33 Ethyl octadecanoate

312.3  0.19 ± 0.03 Dodecanoic acid

200.2  0.94 ± 0.02 Tetradecanoic acid

228.2  2.63 ± 0.03 Pentadecanoic acid

242.2  0.10 ± 0.01 cis-9-hexadecenoic acid

254.2  1.97 ± 0.01 Hexadecanoic acid

256.2  1.01 ± 0.01 cis-11-octadecenoic acid

282.3  2.00 ± 0.02 *Percentage is w/w %.

Surprisingly, sample #23-30 contained odd-numbered FA and FAEE.

3. Quantitative Elemental Analysis of Sample #23-30

Heavy metals are known to poison the catalysts used in catalytic cracking. To measure the levels of heavy metals in sample #23-30, sample #23-30 was sent to Galbraith Laboratories, Inc., for quantitative elemental analysis of arsenic, calcium, carbon, chlorine, cobalt, copper, hydrogen, iron, Karl Fisher water, lead, manganese, magnesium, mercury, molybdenum, nitrogen, potassium, sodium, sulfur, zinc, oxygen, and phosphorus. Preparatory and analytical methods are described below. Results are shown in Table 9. All amounts in Table 9 were below the level of quantitation (LOQ) except for carbon (73.38%), chlorine (91 ppm), hydrogen (12.1%), Karl Fisher water (0.998%), mercury (0.057 ppm), oxygen (14.53%), and phosphorus (343 ppm). Therefore, sample #23-30 did not contain high levels of the heavy metals of concern.

Method G-52, Rev 6: Microwave Digestion of Samples for Metals Analysis

An appropriate amount of sample was weighed into a microwave vessel to the nearest 0.001 g. The appropriate reagents were then added to the microwave vessel. If a visible reaction was observed the reaction was allowed to cease before capping the vessel. The vessel was then sealed and placed in the microwave according to the manufacturer's directions. The temperature of each vessel reached a minimum of 180±10° C. in 5 minutes. It remained at a minimum of 180±10° C. for 10 minutes. At the end of the microwave program the vessels were allowed to cool for a minimum of 5 minutes before removal. The vessels were then uncapped and transferred to volumetric flasks for analysis by the proper technique.

Method G-55, Rev 3: Parr Oxygen Bomb Combustion for the Determination of Halogens

Samples were weighed into a combustion cup, and mineral oil was added as a combustion aid. For chlorine (Cl) and bromine (Br) measurements, 1% hydrogen peroxide solution was added into the bomb. For sulfur (S) measurements, a 0.01 N sodium hydroxide solution was added. The sample and cup were sealed into a Parr oxygen combustion bomb along with a suitable absorbing solution. The bomb was purged with oxygen, then pressurized to 25-30 atm of oxygen pressure, and ignited. Afterwards, the contents of the bomb were well mixed and transferred to a beaker for subsequent analysis.

Method G-30B, Rev 7: Wet Ash Digestion of Inorganic and Organic Compounds for Metals Analysis

The sample was charred using H₂SO₄. If analyzing for metals that form insoluble sulfates, HClO₄ and HNO₃ were used to char the organic material. After charring the sample, HNO₃ was added and the sample was refluxed to solubilize the metals present. If the solution became cloudy, HCl was added to aid complete digestion. HF can be used if silicon was present in the sample but only if silicon was not an analyte of interest. All HF used was restricted to Teflon vessels. The clear digestate was quantitatively transferred to a Class A volumetric flask and brought to final volume. The sample was then analyzed.

Method ME-4A Rev 2: Determination of Anions Suppressed by Ion Chromatography

Instrument Dionex Model DX500 Chromatograph Column Dionex IonPac AS9-SC 4 × 250 mm Eluent 2.4 mM Na₂CO₃ 1.8 mM NaHCO₃ Preparation Aqueous samples may be analyzed as is. Water-soluble samples are typically transferred by weight to a known volume. Other solid materials that are not water-soluble may be extracted to determine extractable quantities of various anions or combusted to determine total quantities of an element such as Cl or Br. Calibration Standards to bracket sample concentration. 0.2 mg/L-4.0 mg/L Sample Intro Auto injection (Hitachi Model AS7200) Determination Conductivity detection/linear regression Quantitation Limit Typically 0.2 mg/L in solution. Interferences Anions with similar retention times; overlapping peaks from major constituent anions.

Method S-300 Rev 7: Determination of Water by Coulometric Titration (Karl Fischer)

This method combined coulometry with the Karl Fischer titration. The sample was mixed with an amine-methanol mixture containing predominantly iodide ion (I−) and sulfur dioxide. The iodine produced at the anode through the electrolysis was allowed to react with water. In such cases, iodine was produced in direct proportion to the quantity of electricity according to Faraday's Law. Also, because 1 mole of water stoichiometrically reacts with 1 mole of iodine, 1 mg of water was equivalent to 10.71 coulombs of electricity. Utilizing this principle, the Moisture Meter determined the amount of water directly from the number of coulombs required for the electrolysis. This procedure included both direct introduction and a vaporizer pre-treatment technique.

Preparation Weigh to obtain 100 μg to 3 mg H2O; Protect samples from atmospheric moisture during weighing and transfer. Instrument Mitsubishi Moisture Meter MCl Model CA-06 (Inst. #569) Mitsubishi Moisture Vaporizer, Model CA/VA-06 (Inst. #568) Control Sodium tartrate monohydrate (15.66%); Frequency: every 10 samples, one each day minimum, 95-105% recovery Sample Intro A. Entry port, Direct transfer; capillary, syringe, or scoop B. Furnace, tin capsules (Water Vaporizer VA-06); Temperature varies, 200° C. is default value used for standards. Most samples analyzed at 160° C. Other temperatures upon request. Determination Coulometric titration of Karl Fischer reagent via automatic titrator Quantitation Limit 100 μg H₂O Precision & Accuracy RSD RE INSTR# Sodium Tartrate 1.35% −0.54% 569 Monohydrate 1.34% −2.13% 568 Equations (2I⁻ − 2e⁻ → I₂); (I₂ + SO₂ + 3C₅H₅N + H₂O → 2C₅H₅N HI + C₅H₅N SO₃) μg H₂O/spl wt (g) = ppm H₂O μg H₂O × 0.1/spl wt (mg) = % H₂) Interferences (direct transfer only) free alkali; oxidizing, reducing agent; mercaptans

Method E16-2, Rev 9 (Trace E16-2A): Sulfur Determination Using the LECO SC-432DR

The SC-432DR Sulfur Analyzer is a non-dispersive infrared, digitally controlled instrument designed to measure sulfur content in a variety of organic and inorganic materials. The sample was combusted at 1350±50° C. in an atmosphere of pure oxygen. The sulfur was oxidized to sulfur dioxide and quantitated by infrared absorption. The SC-432DR was equipped with two detectors, a high-range and a low-range infrared cell.

Instrument LECO SC-432DR Sulfur Analyzer Sample Intro Weigh sample to nearest 0.01 mg. Weigh samples directly into sample boat tared on electronic balance. Weight automatically transferred to SC432 database. Cover sample with LECO Com-Cat combustion accelerator as called for by sample type. Calibration Three conditioners of 5-10 mg cystine. Seven calibration standards of 30-175 mg NIST SRM 8415 Whole Egg Powder (0.512% S). Internal calibration using a quadratic regressed curve. Control NIST SRM 1549 Milk Powder (0.351%); others to match sample type. Frequency: one for every ten samples. Determination Combustion in O₂ atmosphere at 1350° C. Determination of resulting SO₂ by infrared detector. Quantitation Limit 0.08 mg S Calculations Internal Precision & Accuracy RSD (%) Mean Recovery (%) (milk powder) 2.60 97.97

Method ME-2, Rev 14: Carbon, Hydrogen, and Nitrogen Determination

This instrument burns sample in pure oxygen at 950° C. under static conditions to produce combustion products of CO₂, H₂O, and N₂. The PE-240 automatically analyzes these products in a self-integrating, steady state thermal conductivity analyzer. Tungstic anhydride may be added to aid combustion. An extended combustion time (e.g., burn hard mode) may be employed for difficult to combust samples.

Instrument PerkinElmer 240 Elemental Analyzer (Instrument # 409, 410) Sample intro Weigh 1.0-2.5 mg into Al capsule; crimp (see GLI Procedure G-6) for liquids; washed with solvent prior to weighing upon request Decomposition Combustion at ≥950° C., reduction at ≥675° C. = CO₂, H₂O, N₂ Calibration Cyclohexanone-2,4-dinitropheylhydrazone (1-2.5 mg) Control s-1409, 2-1410: Cyclohexanone-2,4-dinitropheylhydrazone (51.79% C, 5.07% H, 20.14% N) Determination CO₂, H₂O, N₂ by thermal conductivity analyzer Quantitation 0.5% C, 0.5% H, 0.5% N Instrument #409 Instrument #410 Precision & accuracy C H N C H N RSD % 0.28 1026 0.39 0.35 1.12 0.41 Mean recovery (%) 99.94 101.25 99.86 100.13 100.40 100.04 Interferences Metals and some halogens cause incomplete combustion. Combustion aids and/or an extended combustion time can be used to alleviate this problem. Calculations Instrument calculates & prints w/w results for % C, % H, and % N. For samples crimped in an aluminum capsule, the % N is corrected with a factor; (μV/μg sample/K) × 100 = % Element, where K = calibration = μV/μg of C, or H, or N

Method ME-70, Rev 4: Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry

This method describes multi-elemental determinations by ICP-AES using simultaneous optical systems and axial or radial viewing of the plasma. The instrument measures characteristic emission spectra by optical spectrometry. Samples were nebulized and the resulting aerosol was transported to the plasma torch. Element-specific emission spectra were produced by radio-frequency inductively coupled plasma. The spectra were dispersed by a grating spectrometer, and the intensities of the emission lines were monitored by photosensitive devices. Background correction was required for trace element determination. Background was measured adjacent to analyte lines on samples during analysis. The position selected for the background-intensity measurement, on either or both sides of the analytical line, was determined by the complexity of the spectrum adjacent to the analyte line. In one mode of analysis, the position used should be as free as possible from spectral interference and should reflect the same change in background intensity as occurs at the analyte wavelength measured. Background correction is not required in cases of line broadening where a background correction measurement would actually degrade the analytical result.

Instrument ICP-OES Optima 5300, 3300DV and 4300DV, or equivalent Decomposition Prior to analysis, samples must be acidified or digested using appropriate Sample Preparation Methods. Calibration 0.01 ppm-60 ppm plus matrix specific calibrations Sample Intro Peristaltic pump, cross flow nebulizer, gemcone nebulizer, scott ryton spray chamber and quartz cylonic spray chamber Determination Atomic emission by radio frequency inductively coupled plasma of element-specific emission spectra through a grating spectrometer monitored by photosensitive devices. Quantitation Limit Element and calibration specific ranging from 0.01-2 ppm Precision & ±10% RSD Accuracy Interferences Spectral, chemical, physical, memory Calculations wt % = (fc × v/10 × D)/spl ppm = (fc × v × D)/SPL Where fc = final concentration in μg/mL; v = sample volume in mL; D = dilution factor; spl = sample mass in mg; SPL = sample mass in g

Method E80-2, Rev 4: Determination of Mercury (Automated Cold Vapor Technique)

This procedure is based on EPA SW846 Method 7471A. Cold Vapor Atomic Absorption is based on the general theory of atomic absorption, which holds that free atoms of the analyte absorb energy from a lamp source that is proportional to the concentration of analyte. By using a lamp containing the metal to be measured, the exact wavelength needed for absorption was produced and interferences were greatly reduced. Cold Vapor Atomic Absorption uses this principle, and the mercury atoms were liberated by reducing mercury ions with Tin (II) Chloride (SnCl₂). Nitrogen gas carried the atoms through an optical cell, with the Hg lamp on one end and the detector on the other end. Because the cold vapor method was employed, instead of a flame method, undigested organic compounds were an interference concern, because of their wide band of absorption wavelengths.

Instrument PerkinElmer FIMS 400 Automated Mercury Analyzer or equivalent Decomposition Variable, usually microwave digestion or permanganate hot water bath digestion Calibration 0.1-5.0 μg/L Sample Introduction Autosampler, peristaltic pump Determination Primary wavelength 253.7 nm, using a solid state detector Detection Limit Varies with preparation method and sample matrix Precision & Accuracy For microwave digestion: For MnO₄ ⁻ digestion: RE −2.47% 4.90% RSD   7.48% 5.20% Interferences Undigested organic compounds Calculations ${{ppb}\mspace{14mu} {Hg}}\; = \; \frac{{\mu g}\text{/}L\mspace{14mu} {in}\mspace{14mu} {solution}\; \times \; {volume}\mspace{14mu} ({mL})\; \times \; {dilution}\mspace{14mu} {factor}}{{sample}\mspace{14mu} {weight}\mspace{14mu} (g)}$

TABLE 9 Quantitative elemental analysis of sample #23-30 Element Preparation Method Analytical Method Result Arsenic G-52 ME-70 <25 ppm Calcium G-30B ME-70 <119 ppm Carbon N/A ME-2   73.38% Chlorine G-55 ME-4A 91 ppm Cobalt G-30B ME-70 <23 ppm Copper G-30B ME-70 <23 ppm Hydrogen N/A ME-2    12.1% Iron G-30B ME-70 <136 ppm Karl Fisher water N/A S-300   0.998% Lead G-52 ME-70 <25 ppm Manganese G-30B ME-70 <23 ppm Magnesium G-30B ME-70 <23 ppm Mercury G-52 E80-2 0.057 ppm Molybdenum G-30B ME-70 <23 ppm Nitrogen N/A ME-2  <0.5% Potassium G-30B ME-70 <103 ppm Sodium G-30B ME-70 <140 ppm Sulfur N/A E16-2A <0.140% Zinc G-30B ME-70 <23 ppm Oxygen N/A Subtraction*   14.53% Phosphorus G-30B ME-70 343 ppm Results presented as “<” are below LOQ. *Oxygen content was determined by subtracting the observed results for all other elements from 100%.

Example 5. Production and Release of Fatty Alcohol from Production Host

acr1 (encoding acyl-CoA reductase) was expressed in E. coli cultured with glucose as the sole carbon and energy source. The E. coli produced small amounts of fatty alcohols such as dodecanol (C_(12:0)-OH), tetradecanol (C_(14:0)-OH), and hexadecanol (C_(16:0)-OH). In other samples, FadD (acyl-CoA synthase) was expressed together with acr1 in E. coli. A five-fold increase in fatty alcohol production was observed.

In other samples, acr1, fadD, and accABCD (acetyl-CoA carboxylase), in a plasmid carrying accABCD constructed as described in EXAMPLE 1, were expressed along with various individual thioesterases (TEs) in wild-type E. coli C41 (DE3) and an E. coli C41 (DE3 ΔfadE, a strain lacking acyl-CoA dehydrogenase). This resulted in further increases in fatty alcohol production and modulation of the profiles of fatty alcohols (see FIG. 6). For example, over-expression of E. coli ‘TesA (pETDuet-1-‘TesA) in this system achieved about a 60-fold increase in C_(12:0)-OH, C_(14:0)-OH and C_(16:0)-OH, with C_(14:0)-OH being the major fatty alcohol. A very similar result was obtained when the ChFatB3 enzyme (FatB3 from Cuphea hookeriana in pMAL-c2X-TEcu) was expressed. When the UcFatB1 enzyme (FatB1 from Umbellularia californicain in pMAL-c2X-TEuc) was expressed, fatty alcohol production increased about 20-fold and C_(12:0)-OH was the predominant fatty alcohol.

Expression of ChFatB3 and UcFatB1 also led to the production of significant amounts of the unsaturated fatty alcohols C_(16:1)-OH and C_(14:1)-OH, respectively. Fatty alcohols were also found in the supernatant of samples generated from the expression of ‘tesA. At 37° C., about equal amounts of fatty alcohols were found in the supernatant and in the cell pellet. Whereas at 25° C., about 25% of the fatty alcohols was found in the supernatant. See FIG. 7.

Example 6. Production of Fatty Alcohol Using a Variety of Acyl-CoA Reductases

This example describes fatty alcohol production using a variety of acyl-CoA reductases. Fatty alcohols can be the final product. Alternatively, the production host cells can be engineered to additionally express/overexpress ester synthases to produce fatty esters.

Each of four genes encoding fatty acyl-CoA reductases (Table 10) from various sources were codon-optimized for E. coli expression and synthesized by Codon Devices, Inc. (Cambridge, Mass.). Each of the synthesized genes was cloned as an NdeI-AvrII fragment into pCDFDuet-1-fadD vector (described in Example 2). Each of the plasmids carrying these acyl-CoA reductase genes with the E. coli fadD gene was transformed into E. coli strain C41 (DE) strain (purchased from Over-expression).

The recombinant strains were cultured in 3 mL of an LB broth (supplemented with 100 mg/L spectinomycin) at 37° C. overnight. 0.3 mL of the overnight culture was transferred to 30 mL of a fresh M9 medium (containing 100 mg/L spectinomycin) and cultured at 25° C. When the cultures reached OD₆₀₀ of 0.5, 1 mM IPTG was added. Each culture was fed 0.1% of one of three fatty acids dissolved in H₂O at pH 7.0. The three fatty acids fed were sodium dodecanoate, sodium myristate, or sodium palmitate. A culture without the addition of fatty acid was also included as a control. After induction, the cultures were allowed to grow at the same temperature for an additional 40 hours at 25° C.

The quantification of fatty alcohol yield at the end of fermentation was performed using GC-MS as described above in EXAMPLE 3 and/or EXAMPLE 4. The resulting fatty alcohol produced from the corresponding fatty acid is shown in Table 11. The results indicated that three acyl-CoA reductases—Acr1, AcrM, and BmFAR—were able to convert all three fatty acids into corresponding fatty alcohols. The results also indicated that hFAR and JjFAR had activity when myristate and palmitate were the substrates. However, there was little or no activity when dodecanoate was the substrate. mFAR1 and mFAR2 only demonstrated low activity with myristate and demonstrated no activity with the other two fatty acids.

TABLE 10 Acyl-CoA reductases Acyl-CoA Protein ID reductase Accession number Protein sources mFAR1 AAH07178 Mus musculus mFAR2 AAH55759 Mus musculus JjFAR AAD38039 Simmondsia chinensis BmFAR BAC79425 Bombyx mori Acr1 AAC45217 Acinetobacter baylyi ADP1 AcrM BAB85476 Acinetobacter sp. M1 hFAR AAT42129 Homo sapiens

TABLE 11 Fatty alcohol production Acyl- Peak Area^(c) CoA No fatty acid E. coli reductase Dodecanoate/ Myristate/ Palmitate/ feeding ^(a)/ C41(DE3) genes dodecanol^(b) tetradecanol^(b) hexadecanol^(b) hexadecanol mFAR1 7,400 85,700 8,465 70,900 mFAR2 2,900 14,100 32,500 25,800 JjFAR 5,200 8,500 53,112 33,800 BmFAR 35,800 409,000 407,000 48,770 acr1 202,000 495,000 1,123,700 58,515 acrM 42,500 189,000 112,448 36,854 hFAR1 5,050 59,500 109,400 94,400 vector control 4,000 1,483 32,700 27,500 media control 10,700 1,500 25,700 25,000 Note: ^(a) Only hexadecanol was quantified in this case. ^(b)Fatty acid fed/fatty alcohol produced. ^(c)The area peak of fatty alcohol produced.

Example 7. Medium Chain Fatty Esters

Alcohol acetyl transferases (AATs, EC 2.3.1.84), which is responsible for acyl acetate production in various plants, can be used to produce medium chain length fatty esters, such as octyl octanoate, decyl octanoate, decyl decanoate, and the like. Fatty esters, synthesized from medium chain alcohol (such as C₆ and C₈) and medium chain acyl-CoA or fatty acids (such as C₆ and C₈) have relatively low melting points. For example, hexyl hexanoate has a melting point of about −55° C. and octyl octanoate has a melting point of about −18° C. to about −17° C. The low melting points of these compounds make them suitable for use as biofuels.

In this example, an SAAT gene encoding a thioesterase was co-expressed in a production host E. coli C41(DE3, ΔfadE) (as described in International Application No. PCT/US08/058788, the disclosures of which is incorporated herein by reference) with fadD from E. coli and acr1 (alcohol reductase from A. baylyi ADP1). Octanoic acid was provided in the fermentation broth. This resulted in the production of octyl octanoate. Similarly, when the ester synthase gene from A. baylyi ADP1 was expressed in the production host instead of the SAAT gene, octyl octanoate was produced.

A recombinant SAAT gene was synthesized by DNA 2.0 (Menlo Park, Calif. 94025). The synthesized DNA sequence was based on the published gene sequence (GenBank Accession No. AF193789), but modified to eliminate the NcoI site. The synthesized SAAT gene (as a BamHI-HindIII fragment) was cloned in pRSET B (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, Calif.), linearized with BamHI and HindIII. The resulting plasmid, pHZ1.63A was cotransformed into an E. coli production host with pAS004.114B, which carries a fadD gene from E. coli and acr1 gene from A. baylyi ADP1. The transformants were cultured in 3 mL of an M9 medium containing 2% glucose. After IPTG induction and the addition of 0.02% octanoic acid, the culture was allowed to grow at 25° C. for 40 hours. 3 mL of acetyl acetate was then added to the whole culture and mixed several times using a mixer. The acetyl acetate phase was analyzed by GC/MS.

Surprisingly, no acyl acetate was observed in the acetyl acetate extract. However, octyl octanoate was observed. However, the control strain without the SAAT gene (C41(DE3, ΔfadE)/pRSET B+pAS004.114B) did not produce octyl octanoate. Furthermore, the strain (C41(DE3, ΔfadE)/pHZ1.43 B+pAS004.114B) in which the ester synthase gene from A. baylyi ADP1 was carried by pHZ1.43 produced octyl octanoate (see FIGS. 8A-D).

The finding that SAAT activity produces octyl octanoate makes it possible to produce medium chain fatty esters, such as octyl octanoate and octyl decanoate, which have low melting points and are suitable for use as biofuels and for replacing triglyceride based biodiesel.

Example 8. Production of Fatty Esters in E. coli Strain Ls9001

Fatty esters were produced by engineering an E. coli production host to express a fatty alcohol forming acyl-CoA reductase, thioesterase, and an ester synthase. Thus, the production host produced both the A and the B side of the ester and the structure of both sides was influenced by the expression of the thioesterase gene.

The LS9001 strain was transformed with plasmids carrying an ester synthase gene from A. baylyi ADP1 (plasmid pHZ1.43), a thioesterase gene from Cuphea hookeriana (plasmid pMAL-c2X-Tech), and a fadD gene from E. coli (plasmid pCDFDuet-1-fad).

Plasmid pHZ1.43 carrying the ester synthase (WSadp1, GenBank Accession No. AA017391, EC 2.3.175) was constructed as follows. First the gene for WSadp1 was amplified with the following primers using genomic DNA sequence from A. baylyi ADP1 as template:

(SEQ ID NO: 35) WSadp1_NdeI, 5′-TCATATGCGCCCATTACATCCG-3′; and (SEQ ID NO: 36) WSadp1_Avr, 5′-TCCTAGGAGGGCTAATTTAGCCCTTTAGTT-3′.

Then, the PCR product was digested with NdeI and AvrII and cloned into pCOLADuet-1 to give pHZ 1.43. The plasmid carrying wSadp1 was then co-transformed into E. coli strain LS9001 with both pETDuet-1‘TesA and pCDFDuet-1-fadD-acr1, and transformants were selected on LB plates supplemented with 50 mg/L of kanamycin, 50 mg/L of carbenicillin and 100 mg/L of spectinomycin.

Three transformants were inoculated in 3 mL of LBKCS (LB broth supplement with 50 mg/L kanamycin, 50 mg/L carbenicillin, 100 mg/L spectinomycin, and 10 g/L glucose) and incubated at 37° C. in a shaker (shaking at 250 rpm). When the cultures reached an OD₆₀₀ of about 0.5, 1.5 mL of each culture was transferred into 250 mL flasks containing 50 mL LBKCS. The flasks were then incubated in a shaker (250 rpm) at 37° C. until the culture reached an OD₆₀₀ of about 0.5 to about 1.0. IPTG was then added to a final concentration of 1 mM. The induced cultures were incubated at 37° C. in a shaker (250 rpm) for another 40-48 hours.

The cultures were then transferred into 50 mL conical tubes and the cells were centrifuged at 3,500×g for about 10 minutes. Each of the cell pellets was then mixed with 5 mL ethyl acetate. The ethyl acetate extracts were analyzed with GC/MS. The titer of fatty esters (including C₁₆C₁₆, C_(14:1)C₁₆, C_(18:1)C_(18:1), C₂C₁₄, C₂C₁₆, C₂C_(16:1), C₁₆C_(16:1) and C₂C_(18:1)) was about 10 mg/L. When an E. coli strain only carrying empty vectors was cultured under the same conditions and following the same protocol, only 0.2 mg/L fatty esters was found in the ethyl acetate extract.

Example 9. Production and Release of Fatty-Ethyl Ester from Production Host

The LS9001 strain was transformed with plasmids carrying an ester synthase gene from A. baylyi (plasmid pHZ1.43), a thioesterase gene from Cuphea hookeriana (plasmid pMAL-c2X-TEcu) and a fadD gene from E. coli (plasmid pCDFDuet-1-fadD).

This recombinant strain was cultured at 25° C. in 3 mL of an M9 medium containing 50 mg/L kanamycin, 100 mg/L carbenicillin, and 100 mg/L spectinomycin. After IPTG induction, the medium was adjusted to a final concentration of 1% ethanol and 2% glucose.

The culture was allowed to grow for 40 hours after IPTG induction. The cells were separated from the spent medium by centrifugation at 3,500×g for 10 minutes. The cell pellet was re-suspended with 3 mL of the M9 medium. The cell suspension and the spent medium were then extracted with 1 volume of ethyl acetate. The resulting ethyl acetate phases from the cell suspension and the supernatant were subjected to GC-MS analysis.

The C₁₆ ethyl ester was the most prominent ester species for this thioesterase and 20% of the fatty ester produced was released from the cell. See FIG. 9. A control E. coli strain C41(DE3, ΔfadE) containing pCOLADuet-1 (empty vector for the ester synthase gene), pMAL-c2X-TEuc (containing fatB from U. california) and pCDFDuet-1-fadD (fadD gene from E. coli) failed to produce detectable amounts of fatty acid ethyl esters. The fatty acid esters were quantified using commercial palmitic acid ethyl ester as the reference.

Fatty esters were also made using the methods described herein except that methanol or isopropanol was added to the fermentation broth. The expected fatty esters were produced.

Example 8. The Influence of Various Thioesterases on the Composition of Fatty-Ethyl Esters Produced in Recombinant E. coli Strains

The thioesterases FatB3 (C. hookeriana), ‘TesA (E. coli), and FatB (U. california) were expressed simultaneously with ester synthase (from A. baylyi). A plasmid, pHZ1.61, which comprises a pCDFDuet-1 (Novagen, Madison, Wis.) backbone with the fadD gene, was constructed by replacing the NotI-AvrII fragment (carrying the acr1 gene) with the NotI-AvrII fragment from pHZ1.43 such that fadD and the ADP1 ester synthase were in one plasmid and each of the coding sequences was under the control of a separate T7 promoter. The construction of pHZ1.61 made it possible to use a two-plasmid system instead of the three-plasmid system. pHZ1.61 was then co-transformed into E. coli C41(DE3, ΔfadE) with one of the plasmids, each carrying a different thioesterase gene as described herein.

The total fatty acid ethyl esters (in both the supernatant and intracellular fatty acid ethyl fluid) produced by these transformants were evaluated using the technique described herein. The titers and the composition of fatty acid ethyl esters are summarized in Table 12.

TABLE 12 Titers (mg/L) and composition of fatty acid ethyl esters by recombinant E. coli C41(DE3, ΔfadE)/pHZ1.61 and plasmids carrying various thioesterase genes. Thioesterases C₂C₁₀ C₂C_(12:1) C₂C₁₂ C₂C_(14:1) C₂C₁₄ C₂C_(16:1) C₂C₁₆ C₂C_(18:1) Total ‘TesA 0.0 0.0 6.5 0.0 17.5 6.9 21.6 18.1 70.5 ChFatB3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 10.8 12.5 11.7 13.8 48.8 ucFatB 6.4 8.5 25.3 14.7 0.0 4.5 3.7 6.7 69.8 pMAL 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 5.6 0.0 12.8 7.6 26.0 Note: ‘TesA, pETDuet-1-’TesA; chFatB3, pMAL-c2X-TEcu; ucFatB, pMAL-c2X-TEuc; pMAL, pMAL-c2X, the empty vector for thioesterase genes used in the study.

Example 9. Use of Various Ester Synthases to Produce Biofuel

Four genes encoding ester synthases were synthesized based on corresponding polynucleotide sequences reported in NCBI GenBank with minor modifications. These modifications include the removal of internal NcoI, NdeI, HindIII, and AvrII restriction sites without introducing other changes to the corresponding amino acid sequence. The four genes of interest were each synthesized with an NdeI site on the 5′ end and an AvrII at the 3′ end. The sequences were then cloned into the NdeI and AvrII site of pCOLADuet-1 (Novagene) to produce pHZ1.97-376, pHZ1.97-377, pHZ1.97-atfA1 and pHZ1.97-atfA2. The plasmids carrying each of the four genes of interest along with the respective GenBank Accession numbers and the GenPeptide Accessions numbers are listed in Table 13 below.

TABLE 13 Ester synthases DNA sequence GenBank GenPeptide Plasmids ID original sources Accession No. accession No. pHZ1.97-376 FES376(376) Marinobacter CP000514.1 ABM17275 aquaeolei VT8 pHZ1.97-377 FES377(377) Marinobacter CP000514.1 ABM20141 aquaeolei VT8 pHZ1.97-atfA1 FESA1(AtfA1) Alcanivorax NC_008260.1 YP_94462 borkumensis SK2 pHZ1.97-atfA2 FESA2(AtfA2) Alcanivorax NC_008260.1 YP_693524 borkumensis SK2

Each of the four plasmids was transformed into E. coli C41 (DE3, ΔfadEΔfabR)/pETDuet-1-‘TesA+pCDFDuet-1-fadD. Three transformants from each transformation were selected for fermentation studies to determine their abilities to synthesize fatty acid ethyl esters. The fermentation step was performed as described in EXAMPLE 6, but at two different temperatures, 25° C. or 37° C. Strain C41 (DE3, ΔfadEΔfabR)/pETDuet-1-‘TesA+pCDFDuet-1-fadD+pHZ1.43 (expressing ADP1 ester synthase) was used as a positive control and C41 (DE3, ΔfadEΔfabR)/pETDuet-1-‘TesA+pCDFDuet-1-fadD as a negative control.

The expression of each of the four ester synthase genes in the E. coli strain with attenuated fadE and fabR activity and overexpressing ‘tesA and fadD enabled each strain to produce about 250 mg/L of FAEE at 25° C. This was the same amount produced by the positive control that expressed ADP1 ester synthase. In contrast, the negative control strain produced less than 50 mg/L FAEE under the same conditions at 25° C. (see, FIG. 10). The fatty acyl composition of FAEE produced from these four ester synthases was similar to that from ADP1 ester synthases (see, FIG. 11)

Results from fermentations performed at 37° C. indicated that strains carrying pHZ1.97_aftA2 and strains carrying pHZ1.97_376 produced more FAEE than the positive control carrying pHZ1.43 (see, FIG. 12). The strains carrying pHZ1.97_aftA2 and the strains carrying pHZ1.97_376 also produced large amount of free fatty acid (see, FIG. 13). Whereas the strain carrying pHZ.143 did not accumulate free fatty acid. The results demonstrated that these four ester synthases were capable of accepting ethanol and a broad range of acyl-CoA as substrates.

Example 12. Use of Eukaryotic Ester Synthase to Produce Biofuel

This example describes the cloning and expression of an ester synthase from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Plasmids were generated using standard molecular biology techniques.

TABLE 14 Plasmids with eeb1 Given Name Vector Backbone Construction pGL10.59 pCOLADuet-1 eeb1* gene inserted between BamHI and HindIII sites (Novagen) (KanR) pGL10.104 pMAL c2x eeb1* gene inserted between BamHI and HindIII sites (NEB) (AmpR) pMAL-c2X-TEuc pMAL c2x See Table 7 above (NEB) pCDFDuet-1-acr1 pCDFDuet-1 See Table 7 above (Novagen) *The Saccharomyces cerevisiae gene eeb1 (GenBank Accession number YPL095C) was PCR-amplifed from S. cerevisiae genomic DNA sequence using primers that introduced the 5′ BamHI and 3′ HindIII sites.

An E. coli C41 (DE3 ΔfadE) production host was used to express the various plasmids. The E. coli cells were cultured in an M9 minimal medium (containing 6 g/L Na₂HPO₄, 3 g/L KH₂PO₄, 0.5 g/L NaCl, 1 g/L NH₄Cl, 1 mg/L thiamine (vit. B1), 1 mM MgSO₄, 0.1 mM CaCl₂, 0.4% (w/v) or 2% (w/v) glucose). All fatty acid stock solutions were prepared by dissolving the fatty acid sodium or potassium salt in distilled deinoized water at pH 7.0. Octanoic acid stock was purchased from Sigma, St. Louis, Mo.

Fermentations were performed using the C41 (DE3 ΔfadE) strain containing plasmids pCDFDuet-1-acr1, pMAL-c2X-TEuc (ucFatB), and pGL10.59 (eeb1). The control strain was C41 (DE3 ΔfadE) strain carrying pCDFDuet-1-acr1, pMAL-c2X-TEuc, and the empty pCOLADuet-1 vector. Each of the three colonies from each transformation were used to inoculate an M9+0.4% glucose starter culture supplemented with carbenicillin (100 μg/mL), spectinomycin (100 μg/mL), and kanamycin (50 μg/mL). The cultures were allowed to grow at 37° C. overnight. Production cultures were established by making a 1:100 dilution of starter culture to inoculate 3 mL M9 media+0.4% glucose. The production cultures were allowed to grow at 37° C. until OD₆₀₀=0.6 before being induced with 1 mM IPTG, fed 1% ethanol, and cultured for an additional 40 hours at 25° C. Whole cell cultures were extracted with an equal volume of ethyl acetate by vortexing vigorously for 30 seconds. The organic phase was taken and examined on the GC/MS using the method alkane_1_splitless_ctc.m for FAEE detection, which is described above in EXAMPLE 4, part 2, “Quantification of FA and FAEE in sample #23-30.”

No FAEE peaks were detected in the samples. In order to determine whether eeb1 was correctly expressed, IPTG-induced and uninduced cultures were analyzed by SDS-PAGE. No band corresponding to the size of Eeb1 (about 52 kDa) was detected. This suggested that, for this particular plasmid system, Eeb1 was not well-expressed.

Additional expression experiments were performed using a different expression vector. The gene was cloned into the vector pMALc2x, which expressed the target protein as a maltose binding protein (MBP) fusion. SDS-PAGE analysis of whole-cell lysates revealed that cultures induced with 1 mM IPTG yielded an appropriately-sized band corresponding to the Eeb1-MBP fusion (about 92 kDa). The band was not present in uninduced cells. This experiment was described in detail in International Application No. PCT/US08/058788, the disclosures therein is incorporated by reference in the entirety.

Eeb1 enzymatic activity was assessed using the C41 (DE3 ΔfadE) E. coli strain carrying plasmids pCDFDuet-1-acr1 and pGL10.104 (eeb1). A C41 (DE3 ΔfadE) with pCDFDuet-1-acr1 and pMALc2x served as the control strain. Three colonies were picked from each transformation and each was used to inoculate an M9+0.4% glucose overnight starter culture supplemented with carbenicillin (100 μg/mL) and spectinomycin (100 μg/mL). A 1:100 dilution of the starter culture was used to inoculate 10 mL of an M9+0.4% glucose production cultures. The production cultures were allowed to grow at 37° C. until OD₆₀₀=0.4-0.5 before inducing with 1 mM IPTG. The cultures were each fed about 1% ethanol, octanoic acid (to about 0.01% or about 0.02% of the final volume), and/or decanoic acid (to about 0.02% of the final volume). Fermentations were allowed to continue for 24 hours at 25° C. Extractions were carried out by adding 1/10 volume of 12 M HCl and an equal volume of ethyl acetate to the culture and vortexing for 30 seconds. Samples were analyzed by GC/MS as described above.

GC/MS data revealed a peak corresponding to the octanoic acid ethyl ester can be detected for cells expressing eeb1 and fed octanoic acid and ethanol. The vector control strain also showed a C₂C₈ peak, albeit a smaller peak than that of the eeb1-expressing cells.

Cells that were fed 0.02% decanoic acid did not grow well; therefore, the following studies were conducted using 0.01% or 0.005% decanoic acid. To test the ability of Eeb1 to utilize alcohols other than ethanol in synthesizing fatty acid esters, fermentations were carried out using the same strain: C41 (DE3 ΔfadE) with pCDFDuet-1-acr1 and pGL10.104. Cells were cultured as previously described. At induction, the cells were fed 0.02% octanoic acid along with 1% methanol, ethanol, propanol, or isopropanol. Cells were also fed 0.01% or 0.005% decanoic acid and 1% ethanol. Fermentations were allowed to continue post-induction for 24 hours at 25° C. To prepare for analysis by GC/MS, cultures were centrifuged to separate the pellet and the supernatant. The pellet was resuspended in an equal volume of a fresh M9+0.4% glucose medium. Both the resuspended pellets and supernatant samples were extracted as described above and analyzed by GC/MS.

All of the supernatant samples contained large amounts of fatty acid but no detectable fatty acid esters. Similarly, the vector control pellet samples contained no fatty acid ester peaks, as determined using GC/MS. However, cells fed a C₁₀ fatty acid showed peaks that were identified as representing decanoic acid.

The pellet samples derived from the cells expressing Eeb1 and fed a C₈ fatty acid and propanol or ethanol showed small peaks corresponding to propyl or ethyl esters. No peak was detected from the cells that were fed methanol or isopropanol. Cultures fed 0.01% or 0.005% of a C₁₀ fatty acid and ethanol also produced a C₂C₁₀ FAEE, but the FAEE was found in the pellet samples.

The results indicated that Eeb1 was capable of synthesizing FAEEs using octanoic or decanoic acids, and was also able to use methanol to generate the octanoic methyl ester. However, these compounds were highly volatile and as such the GC/MS data might not have accurately reflected the true titers. To more accurately measure product formation a hexadecane overlay was used to facilitate the capture of more volatile FAEEs.

Eeb1 activity with regard to fatty acid substrates was assessed using strain C41 (DE3 ΔfadE) with pCDFDuet-1-acr1 and pGL10.104, which was fed different chain-length fatty acids. Cells were cultured as described above, but were induced at OD₆₀₀=0.8-0.9 so as to promote better cell growth post-induction. At this point, cells were fed 1% ethanol and 0.02% of a C₈ fatty acid or 0.01% of a combination of the following fatty acids: C₁₀, C₁₂, C₁₄, and C₁₆. Cultures that were fed C₈ or C₁₀ fatty acids were overlaid with 20% total volume of hexadecane. Fermentations were carried out for an additional 24 hours at 25° C. post induction. For product analysis, whole cultures (without separating the supernatant from the pellet) were extracted as described herein, with 1/10 volume of HCl and an equal volume (to the volume of the culture) of ethyl acetate. Hexadecane-treated samples were injected directly into the GC/MS using the program hex_1_splitless_ctc.m, which is described above in EXAMPLE 4, part 2, “Quantification of FA and FAEE in sample #23-30.”

None of the vector controls had any detectable FAEE peaks. For the C₈- and C₁₀-fed cells, large C₂C₈ and C₂C₁₀ peaks were detected in the hexadecane samples, but not in the ethyl acetate samples. This demonstrated that hexadecane was able to successfully trap the volatile FAEEs. For the rest of the ethyl acetate samples, small peaks were detected for C₂C₁₂ and C₂C₁₄ FAEEs, but no C₂C₁₆ FAEE was detected. Thus, Eeb1 generated ethyl esters using fatty acids with chain lengths from C₈ to C₁₄. Eeb1 favored C₈ and C₁₀ over the longer-chain fatty acids.

Example 13. Genomic Integration of Recombinant Sequences to Make a Host Strain that Over-Expresses E. coli FabA and/or FabB Genes

It is known that the product of the fabR gene acts as a repressor of the expression of the fabA and fabB genes. It is also known that FadR works as an activator of the same genes. The FabR and predicted consensus binding sequences were previously published by Zhang et al., J. Biol. Chem. 277: 15558-15565, 2002. The consensus binding sequences and their locations relative to the fabA and fabB genes of E. coli is shown in FIG. 14.

A fabR knockout strain of E. coli was created. Primers TrmA_R_NotI and FabR_FOP were used to amplify about 1,000 bp upstream of fabR, and primers SthA_F_Bam and FabR_ROP were used to amplify about 1000 bp downstream of fabR. Overlap PCR was applied to create a construct for in-frame deletion of the complete fabR gene. The fabR deletion construct was cloned into a temperature-sensitive plasmid pKOV3, which contained SacB for counterselection. A chromosomal deletion of fabR was made according to the method described in Link et al., J. Bact., 179:6228-6237, 1997.

TABLE 15 fabR knock-out primers Primer Name Primer Sequence (5′ to 3′) TrmA_ ATAGTTTAGCGGCCGCAAATCGAGCTGGATCAGGATTA R_Not (SEQ ID NO: 37) FabR_ AGGATTCAGACATCGTGATGTAATGAAACAAGCAAATCAAGA FOP TAGA (SEQ ID NO: 38) SthA_ CGCGGATCCGAATCACTACGCCACTGTTCC F_Bam (SEQ ID NO: 39) FabR_ TTGATTTGCTTGTTTCATTACATCACGATGTCTGAATCCTTG ROP (SEQ ID NO: 40)

Example 14. Production Host Construction

Table 16 identifies the homologs of certain genes described herein, which are known to be expressed in microorganisms that produce biodiesels, fatty alcohols, and hydrocarbons. To increase fatty acid production and, therefore, hydrocarbon production in production hosts such as those identified in Table 16, heterologous genes can be expressed, such as those from E. coli.

One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that genes that are endogenous to the microorganisms provided in Table 16 can also be expressed, over-expressed, or attenuated using the methods described herein. Moreover, genes that are described in Table 16 can be expressed, overexpressed, or attenuated in production hosts that endogenously produce hydrocarbons to allow for the production of specific hydrocarbons with defined carbon chain length, saturation points, and branch points.

TABLE 16 Hydrocarbon production hosts Gene Accession No./ Organism Name SEQ ID/Loci EC No. Desulfovibrio desulfuricans accA YP_388034 6.4.1.2 G20 Desulfovibrio desulfuricans accC YP_388573/YP_388033 6.3.4.14, 6.4.1.2 G22 Desulfovibrio desulfuricans accD YP_388034 6.4.1.2 G23 Desulfovibrio desulfuricans fabH YP_388920 2.3.1.180 G28 Desulfovibrio desulfuricans fabD YP_388786 2.3.1.39 G29 Desulfovibrio desulfuricans fabG YP_388921 1.1.1.100 G30 Desulfovibrio desulfuricans acpP YP_388922/YP_ 389150 3.1.26.3, G31 1.6.5.3, 1.6.99.3 Desulfovibrio desulfuricans fabF YP_388923 2.3.1.179 G32 Desulfovibrio desulfuricans gpsA YP_389667 1.1.1.94 G33 Desulfovibrio desulfuricans ldhA YP_388173/YP_ 390177 1.1.1.27, G34 1.1.1.28 Erwinia (micrococcus) accA 942060-943016 6.4.1.2 amylovora Erwinia (micrococcus) accB 3440869-3441336 6.4.1.2 amylovora Erwinia (micrococcus) accC 3441351-3442697 6.3.4.14, 6.4.1.2 amylovora Erwinia (micrococcus) accD 2517571-2516696 6.4.1.2 amylovora Erwinia (micrococcus) fadE 1003232-1000791 1.3.99.- amylovora Erwinia (micrococcus) plsB(D311E) 333843-331423 2.3.1.15 amylovora Erwinia (micrococcus) aceE 840558-843218 1.2.4.1 amylovora Erwinia (micrococcus) aceF 843248-844828 2.3.1.12 amylovora Erwinia (micrococcus) fabH 1579839-1580789 2.3.1.180 amylovora Erwinia (micrococcus) fabD 1580826-1581749 2.3.1.39 amylovora Erwinia (micrococcus) fabG CAA74944 1.1.1.100 amylovora Erwinia (micrococcus) acpP 1582658-1582891 3.1.26.3, amylovora 1.6.5.3, 1.6.99.3 Erwinia (micrococcus) fabF 1582983-1584221 2.3.1.179 amylovora Erwinia (micrococcus) gpsA 124800-125810 1.1.1.94 amylovora Erwinia (micrococcus) ldhA 1956806-1957789 1.1.1.27, amylovora 1.1.1.28 Kineococcus radiotolerans accA ZP_00618306 6.4.1.2 SRS30216 Kineococcus radiotolerans accB ZP_00618387 6.4.1.2 SRS30216 Kineococcus radiotolerans accC ZP_00618040/ 6.3.4.14, SRS30216 ZP_00618387 6.4.1.2 Kineococcus radiotolerans accD ZP_00618306 6.4.1.2 SRS30216 Kineococcus radiotolerans fadE ZP_00617773 1.3.99.- SRS30216 Kineococcus radiotolerans plsB(D311E) ZP_00617279 2.3.1.15 SRS30216 Kineococcus radiotolerans aceE ZP_00617600 1.2.4.1 SRS30216 Kineococcus radiotolerans aceF ZP_00619307 2.3.1.12 SRS30216 Kineococcus radiotolerans fabH ZP_00618003 2.3.1.180 SRS30216 Kineococcus radiotolerans fabD ZP_00617602 2.3.1.39 SRS30216 Kineococcus radiotolerans fabG ZP_00615651 1.1.1.100 SRS30216 Kineococcus radiotolerans acpP ZP_00617604 3.1.26.3, SRS30216 1.6.5.3, 1.6.99.3 Kineococcus radiotolerans fabF ZP_00617605 2.3.1.179 SRS30216 Kineococcus radiotolerans gpsA ZP_00618825 1.1.1.94 SRS30216 Kineococcus radiotolerans ldhA ZP_00618879 1.1.1.28 SRS30216 Rhodospirillum rubrum accA YP_425310 6.4.1.2 Rhodospirillum rubrum accB YP_427521 6.4.1.2 Rhodospirillum rubrum accC YP_427522/YP_425144/YP_ 6.3.4.14, 6.4.1.2 427028/YP_426209/ YP_427404 Rhodospirillum rubrum accD YP_428511 6.4.1.2 Rhodospirillum rubrum fadE YP_427035 1.3.99.- Rhodospirillum rubrum aceE YP_427492 1.2.4.1 Rhodospirillum rubrum aceF YP_426966 2.3.1.12 Rhodospirillum rubrum fabH YP_426754 2.3.1.180 Rhodospirillum rubrum fabD YP_425507 2.3.1.39 Rhodospirillum rubrum fabG YP_425508/YP_425365 1.1.1.100 Rhodospirillum rubrum acpP YP_425509 3.1.26.3, 1.6.5.3, 1.6.99.3 Rhodospirillum rubrum fabF YP_425510/YP_425510/ 2.3.1.179 YP_425285 Rhodospirillum rubrum gpsA YP_428652 1.1.1.94 1.1.1.27 Rhodospirillum rubrum ldhA YP_426902/YP_428871 1.1.1.28 Vibrio furnissii accA 1, 16 6.4.1.2 Vibrio furnissii accB 2, 17 6.4.1.2 Vibrio furnissii accC 3, 18 6.3.4.14, 6.4.1.2 Vibrio furnissii accD 4, 19 6.4.1.2 Vibrio furnissii fadE 5, 20 1.3.99.- Vibrio furnissii plsB(D311E) 6, 21 2.3.1.15 Vibrio furnissii aceE 7, 22 1.2.4.1 Vibrio furnissii aceF 8, 23 2.3.1.12 Vibrio furnissii fabH 9, 24 2.3.1.180 Vibrio furnissii fabD 10, 25 2.3.1.39 Vibrio furnissii fabG 11, 26 1.1.1.100 Vibrio furnissii acpP 12, 27 3.1.26.3, 1.6.5.3, 1.6.99.3 Vibrio furnissii fabF 13, 28 2.3.1.179 Vibrio furnissii gpsA 14, 29 1.1.1.94 Vibrio furnissii ldhA 15, 30 1.1.1.27, 1.1.1.28 Stenotrophomonas accA ZP_01643799 6.4.1.2 maltophilia R551-3 Stenotrophomonas accB ZP_01644036 6.4.1.2 maltophilia R551-3 Stenotrophomonas accC ZP_01644037 6.3.4.14, 6.4.1.2 maltophilia R551-3 Stenotrophomonas accD ZP_01644801 6.4.1.2 maltophilia R551-3 Stenotrophomonas fadE ZP_ 01645823 1.3.99.- maltophilia R551-3 Stenotrophomonas plsB(D311E) ZP_01644152 2.3.1.15 maltophilia R551-3 Stenotrophomonas aceE ZP_01644724 1.2.4.1 maltophilia R551-3 Stenotrophomonas aceF ZP_01645795 2.3.1.12 maltophilia R551-3 Stenotrophomonas fabH ZP_01643247 2.3.1.180 maltophilia R551-3 Stenotrophomonas fabD ZP_01643535 2.3.1.39 maltophilia R551-3 Stenotrophomonas fabG ZP_01643062 1.1.1.100 maltophilia R551-3 Stenotrophomonas acpP ZP_01643063 3.1.26.3 maltophilia 1.6.5.3, R551-3 1.6.99.3 Stenotrophomonas fabF ZP_01643064 2.3.1.179 maltophilia R551-3 Stenotrophomonas gpsA ZP_01643216 1.1.1.94 maltophilia R551-3 Stenotrophomonas ldhA ZP_01645395 1.1.1.28 maltophilia R551-3 Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 accA NP_442942 6.4.1.2 Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 accB NP_442182 6.4.1.2 6.3.4.14, Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 accC NP_442228 6.4.1.2 Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 accD NP_442022 6.4.1.2 Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 fabD NP_440589 2.3.1.39 Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 fabH NP_441338 2.3.1.180 Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 fabF NP_440631 2.3.1.179 Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 fabG NP_440934 1.1.1.100, 3.1.26.3 Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 fabZ NP_441227 4.2.1.60 Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 fabl NP_440356 1.3.1.9 Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 acp NP_440632 Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 fadD NP_440344 6.2.1.3 Synechococcus elongates accA YP_400612 6.4.1.2 PCC7942 Synechococcus elongates accB YP_401581 6.4.1.2 PCC7942 Synechococcus elongates accC YP_400396 6.3.4.14, PCC7942 6.4.1.2 Synechococcus elongates accD YP_400973 6.4.1.2 PCC7942 Synechococcus elongates fabD YP_400473 2.3.1.39 PCC7942 Synechococcus elongates fabH YP_400472 2.3.1.180 PCC7942 Synechococcus elongates fabF YP_399556 2.3.1.179 PCC7942 Synechococcus elongates fabG YP_399703 1.1.1.100, PCC7942 3.1.26.3 Synechococcus elongates fabZ YP_399947 4.2.1.60 PCC7942 Synechococcus elongates fabl YP_399145 1.3.1.9 PCC7942 Synechococcus elongates acp YP_399555 PCC7942 Synechococcus elongates fadD YP_399935 6.2.1.3 PCC7942 The Accession Numbers of Table 16 are from GenBank, Release 159.0 as of Apr. 15, 2007, EC Numbers of Table 16 are from KEGG, Release 42.0 as of April 2007 (plus daily updates up to and including May 9, 2007), results for Erwinia amylovora strain Ea273 were obtained from the Sanger sequencing center, completed shotgun sequence as of May 9, 2007, positions for Erwinia represent locations on the Sanger psuedo-chromosome, sequences from Vibrio fumisii M1 are from the VFM1 pseudo-chromosome, v2 build, as of Sep. 28, 2006, and include the entire gene, and may also include flanking sequence.

Example 15. Additional Exemplary Production Strains

Table 17 provides additional exemplary production strains. Two example biosynthetic pathways are described for producing fatty acids, fatty alcohols, and wax esters. For example, Table 17 provides examples 1 and 2 that produce fatty acids. The production host strain used to produce fatty acids in example 1 is a production host cell that is engineered to have the desired synthetic enzymatic activities. Each “x” marks the genes correlated to the activities, for example, acetyl-CoA carboxylase, thio-esterase, and acyl-CoA synthase activity. Production host cells can be selected from bacteria, yeast, and fungi. As provided in Table 17, additional production hosts can be created using the indicated exogenous genes.

Table 17: Combination of genes useful for making genetically engineered production strains

II. Fatty acids III. Fatty alcohols IV. wax/fatty esters Peptide Sources of genes Genes example 1 example 2 example 1 example 2 example 1 example 2 acetyl-CoA E. coli accABCD X X X X X X carboxylase thio- E. coli ‘TesA X X X X esterase Cinnamomum camphora ccFatB Umbellularia californica umFatB X X Cuphea hookeriana chFatB2 Cuphea hookeriana chFatB3 Cuphea hookerian chFatA Arabidopsis thaliana AtFatA1 Arabidopsis thaliana AtFatB1 [M141T] acyl-CoA E. coli fadD X X X X X X synthase acyl-CoA Bombyx mori bFAR reductase Acinetobacter baylyi ADP1 acr1 X X Simmondsia chinesis jjFAR X X Triticum aestivum TTA1 Mus musculus mFAR1 Mus musculus mFAR2 Acinetobacter sp M1 acrM1 Homo sapiens hFAR Ester synthase/ Fundibacter jadensis WST9 alcohol DSM 12178 acyl- Acinetobacter sp. HO1-N WSHN X transferase Acinetobacter baylyl WSadp1 X ADP1 Mus musculus mWS Homo sapiens hWS Fragaria × ananassa SAAT Malus × domestica MpAAT Simmondsia chinensis JjWS (AAD38041) Decarbonylase Arabidopsis thaliana cer1 Oryzasativa cer1 Transport Acinetobacter sp. HO1-N unknown X X protein Arabidopsis thaliana Cer5

Example 16. Use of Additional Acyl-CoA Synthases to Over Produce Acyl-CoA

Homologs to E. coli fadD can be expressed in E. coli by synthesizing codon-optimized genes based on a desired sequence from M. tuberculosis HR7Rv (NP_217021, FadDD35), B. subtilis (NP_388908, YhfL), Saccharomyces cerevisiae (NP_012257, Faa3p) or P. aeruginosa PAO1 (NP_251989). The synthetic genes can be designed to include NcoI- and HindII-compatible overhangs. The acyl-CoA synthases can then be cloned into a NcoI/HindIII digested pTrcHis2 vector (Invitrogen Corp., Carlsbad, Calif.) as described above and expressed in E. coli strain MG1655 ΔfadE. The expression in E. coli may lead to an increased production of acyl-CoA.

Fatty acid derivatives such as an FAEE can also be produced by co-transformation of the E. coli strain MG1655 ΔfadE with various acyl-CoA synthases in the pTrcHis2 vector with a compatible plasmid derived from pCL1920, which contains the thioester gene from Cuphea hookeriana with or without an ester synthase from A. baylyi. The resulting production host will produce FAEE when cultured in a medium containing ethanol as described above.

Example 17. Use of Additional Acyl-CoA Synthases to Overproduce Acyl-CoA

DNA sequences or protein sequences of many E. coli FadD homologs are known. However the biochemical properties of only a few have been described. See, e.g., Knoll et al., J. Biol. Chem. 269(23):16348-56, 1994; Shockey et al., Plant Physiol. 132: 1065-1076, 2003. Furthermore, their capacity to be expressed in an active form at sufficiently high levels for commercial purposes is unknown. To explore the possibility of using heterologous acyl-CoA synthases for esters production, several acyl-CoA synthase genes were cloned and expressed as follows. Although this example describes transforming the production host with separate plasmids for the thioesterase, ester synthase, and acyl-CoA synthase genes, these genes may alternatively be incorporated in a single plasmid to transform the production host.

1. Construction of pOP-80 Plasmid

To over-express the genes, a low-copy plasmid based on the commercial vector pCL1920 (Lerner and Inouye, NAR 18: 4631, 1990) carrying a strong transcriptional promoter was constructed by digesting pCL1920 with restriction enzymes AflII and SfoI (New England BioLabs Inc. Ipswich, Mass.). Three DNA sequence fragments were produced by this digestion. The 3737 bp fragment was gel-purified using a gel-purification kit (Qiagen, Inc. Valencia, Calif.). In parallel, a fragment containing the trc-promoter and lacI region from the commercial plasmid pTrcHis2 (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, Calif.) was amplified by PCR using primers LF302: 5′-ATATGACGTCGGCATCCGCTTACAGACA-3′(SEQ ID NO:41); and LF303: 5′-AATTCTTAAGTCAGGAGAGCGTTCACCGACAA-3′(SEQ ID NO:42). These two primers also introduced recognition sites for the restriction enzymes ZraI (gacgtc) and AflII (cttaag), respectively, at the end of the PCR products. After amplification, the PCR products were purified using a PCR-purification kit (Qiagen, Inc. Valencia, Calif.) and digested with ZraI and AflII following the conditions recommended by the manufacturer (New England BioLabs Inc., Ipswich, Mass.). After digestion, the PCR product was gel-purified and ligated with the 3737 bp DNA sequence fragment derived from pCL1920.

After transformation with the ligation mixture in TOP10 chemically competent cells (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, Calif.), transformants were selected on Luria agar plates containing 100 μg/mL spectinomycin. Many colonies were visible after overnight incubation at 37° C. Plasmids present in these colonies were purified, analyzed with restriction enzymes, and then sequenced. One plasmid produced in this way was retained, named pOP-80, and used for further experiments. A map of pOP-80 is shown in FIG. 16.

The DNA sequences of relevant regions of plasmid pOP-80 were verified. It was found in the junctions where the 2 fragments were ligated that 3 to 4 bases at each end were missing. This was probably caused by an exonuclease activity contaminating one of the restriction enzymes. It was likely that these small deletions did not affect any relevant plasmid function. The resulting plasmid was used for all expression experiments described in this example. The full sequence of the plasmid is disclosed as SEQ ID NO:1 in FIG. 17.

2. Cloning of fadD35 from Mycobacterium tuberculosis HR7Rv

An E. coli codon-optimized gene was synthesized by DNA 2.0 Inc. (Menlo Park, Calif.), using the protein sequence of the fadD35 gene deposited at NCBI with the GenBank Accession No. NP_217021 as a starting point. The synthetic gene contained a unique NcoI site at the 5′-end and a unique EcoRI site at the 3′-end. The synthetic gene was provided by DNA 2.0 Inc. cloned in plasmid pJ201:16084. The fad35 gene was released from this plasmid by digesting with NcoI and EcoRI. The sequence of this fragment is shown in SEQ ID NO:2 in FIG. 18. The resulting DNA sequence fragment is disclosed in SEQ ID NO:2 was ligated with pOP-80, which was previously digested with NcoI and EcoRI. The ligation mixture was transformed into TOP10 chemically competent cells (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, Calif.), which were then plated on Luria agar plates containing 100 μg/mL spectinomycin and incubated at 37° C. overnight. Colonies that appeared the next day were screened, and a strain containing the correct plasmid was identified. The plasmid was named pDS9.

3. Cloning of fadD1 from Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1

An E. coli codon-optimized gene was synthesized by DNA 2.0 Inc. (Menlo Park, Calif.) using the protein sequence of the fadD1 gene deposited at NCBI with the GenBank Accession No. NP_251989 as a starting point. The synthetic gene contained a unique BspHI site at the 5′-end and a unique EcoRI site at the 3′-end. The synthetic gene was provided by DNA 2.0, Inc. and cloned in plasmid pJ201:16083. The fadD1 gene was released from this plasmid by digesting with BspHI and EcoRI. The sequence of this fragment is shown in SEQ ID NO:3 in FIG. 19. The resulting DNA sequence fragment of SEQ ID NO:3 was ligated with pOP-80, which was previously digested with NcoI and EcoRI. The ligation mixture was transformed into TOP10 chemically competent cells (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, Calif.), which were then plated on Luria agar plates containing 100 μg/mL spectinomycin and incubated at 37° C. overnight. Colonies that appeared the next day were screened. A strain containing the correct plasmid was identified. The plasmid was named pDS8.

4. Cloning of yhfL from Bacillus subtilis

The yhfL gene was amplified by PCR using Bacillus subtilis 1168 chromosomal DNA sequence as a template, and two primers designed based on the DNA sequence deposited at NCBI with GenBank Accession No. NC_000964. The sequences of the 2 primers were:

(SEQ ID NO: 4) BsyhfLBspHIF: 5′-CATCATGAATCTTGTTTC-3′ (FIG. 20) (SEQ ID NO: 5) BsyhfLEcoR: 5′-CGGAATTCTTATTGGGGCAAAATATC-3′ (FIG. 21)

These two primers introduced a BspHI recognition site at the 5′-end and an EcoRI recognition site at the 3′-end. The PCR product was cloned directly into pCR-Blunt II-TOPO vector using the Zero Blunt TOPO PCR cloning kit (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, Calif.). A plasmid carrying the yhfL gene was named pDS1. To subclone yhfL, plasmid pDS1 was digested with BspHI and EcoRI. The resulting DNA sequence fragment SEQ ID NO:6 (FIG. 22) was gel-purified and cloned into pOP-80, which was previously digested with NcoI and EcoRI. The plasmid carrying the B. subtilis yhfL gene cloned into pOP-80 was named pDS4.

5. Cloning of faa3p from Saccharomyces cerevisiae (NP_012257)

The faa3p gene was amplified by PCR using commercial Saccharomyces cerevisiae chromosomal DNA sequence ATCC 204508D (American Type Culture Collection, Manassas, Va.) as a template, and two primers that were designed based on the DNA sequence deposited at NCBI with the GenBank Accession No. NC_001141 as a template. The sequences of the two primers were:

(SEQ ID NO: 7) Scfaa3pPciF: 5′-CGACATGTCCGAACAACAC-3′ (FIG. 23) (SEQ ID NO: 8) Scfaa3pPciI: 5′-GCAAGCTTCTAAGAATTTTCTTTG-3′ (FIG. 24)

These two primers introduced a PciI recognition site at the 5′-end and a HindIII recognition site at the 3′-end.

The PCR product was cloned directly into pCR-Blunt II-TOPO vector using the Zero Blunt TOPO PCR cloning kit (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, Calif.). A plasmid carrying the faa3p gene was named pDS2. To subclone faa3p, plasmid pDS2 was digested with PciI and HindIII. The DNA sequence fragment (SEQ ID NO:9) (FIG. 25) was gel-purified and cloned into pOP-80, which was previously digested with NcoI and HindIII. The plasmid carrying the S. cerevisiae faa3p gene cloned into pOP-80 was named pDS5.

6. Cloning of ZP 01644857 from Stenotrophomonas maltophilia R551-3

The structural gene sequence for the protein ZP_01644857 is available at NCBI as part of the locus NZ_AAVZ01000044. The gene was amplified by PCR using Stenotrophomonas maltophilia R551-3 chromosomal DNA sequence as template, and two primers designed based on the deposited DNA sequence. The sequences of the two primers were:

(SEQ ID NO: 10) Smprk59BspF: 5′-AGTCATGAGTCTGGATCG-3′ (FIG. 26) (SEQ ID NO: 11) Smprk59HindR: 5′-GGAAGCTTACGGGGCGGGCG-3′ (FIG. 27)

These two primers introduced a BspHI recognition site at the 5′-end and a HindIII recognition site at the 3′-end.

The PCR product was cloned directly into pCR-Blunt II-TOPO vector using the Zero Blunt TOPO PCR cloning kit (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, Calif.). A plasmid carrying the gene encoding the protein ZP_01644857 was named pDS3. To facilitate further subcloning of the gene, an internal BspHI site was removed by site directed mutagenesis using the primer PrkBsp:5′-GCGAACGGCCTGGTCTTTATGAAGTTCGGTGG-3′(SEQ ID NO:12) (FIG. 28) and the QuikChange Multi Site-Directed mutagenesis kit (Stratagene, La Jolla, Calif.). After the proper mutation was corroborated by DNA sequencing, the resulting plasmid was digested with BspHI and HindIII, and was named pDS6. The DNA sequence fragment was gel-purified and cloned into pOP-80 previously digested with NcoI and HindIII. The plasmid carrying the gene encoding the protein ZP_01644857 cloned into pOP-80 was named pDS7. The protein sequence of ZP_01644857 is disclosed in FIG. 29 (SEQ ID NO:13).

7. Construction of Strains to Produce Fatty Esters.

An E. coli BL21(DE3) strain was first transformed with plasmid pETDuet-1-‘TesA (described in EXAMPLE 2) carrying the E. coli ‘tesA gene, and plasmid pHZ1.97 (described in EXAMPLE 9) carrying the atfA2 ester synthetase gene, respectively. Both genes were under the control of a T7 promoter inducible by IPTG. Two independent transformants carrying both plasmids were transformed with each of the recombinant plasmids carrying the heterologous fadD genes, and selected on Luria agar plates containing 100 μg/mL carbenicillin, 50 μg/mL kanamycin, and 100 μg/mL spectinomycin. Three independent colonies carrying the three plasmids were evaluated for fatty-ester production.

8. Analysis of Fatty Esters Produced Using ZP 01644857 from Stenotrophomonas maltophilia R551-3

To evaluate the use of the protein ZP_01644857 from Stenotrophomonas maltophilia R551-3 in a production host to produce fatty esters, an E. coli BL21(DE3) strain was transformed with plasmid pETDuet-1-‘TesA (described in EXAMPLE 2) carrying the E. coli ‘tesA gene, plasmid pHZ1.97 (described in EXAMPLE 9) carrying the atfA2 ester synthetase gene, and plasmid pDS7 carrying the gene encoding the protein ZP_01644857 (described above in the instant example). This production host was fermented to produce fatty esters as described in EXAMPLE 4. As a control, a second E. coli strain BL21(DE3)ΔfadE containing plasmids pETDuet-1-‘TesA, pHZ1.97, and pCL1920 was used as a production host to produce fatty esters.

Table 18 below indicates the fatty ester yields from these production hosts.

TABLE 18 Fatty ester yields from a production host that produced ZP_01644857 C₂C_(12:1) C₂C_(12:0) C₂C_(14:1) C₂C_(14:0) C₂C_(16:1) C₂C_(16:0) C₂C_(18:1) C₂C_(18:0) Total Ester type: mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L^(c) Control^(a) 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.78 9.80 5.65 33.7 0.00 50.93 fadD 1.49 3.57 3.68 33.22 52.77 43.09 91.11 10.08 239.01 ZP_01644857 ^(b) ^(a)Control: strain BL21(DE3) D fadE, containing plasmids pETDuet-1-’TesA, pHZ1.97 and pCL1920. ^(b) Strain BL21(DE3) D fadE, containing plasmids pETDuet-1-’TesA, pHZ1.97 and pDS7. ^(c)These values represent the average of 3 cultures.

Example 18. Down-Regulation of Beta-Oxidation

This example describes the creation of an E. coli strain MG1655 ΔfadE ΔydiO.

Fatty acid degradation can be eliminated or attenuated by attenuating any of the β-oxidation enzymatic reactions described herein (see, FIG. 2). For example, the E. coli strain MG1655 ΔfadE can be further engineered using primers to amplify up-stream of ydiO and additional primers to amplify downstream of ydiO. Overlap PCR can then be used to create a construct for in-frame deletion of the complete ydiO gene. The ydiO deletion construct is then cloned into a temperature sensitive plasmid pKOV3, which contains a sacB gene for counter-selection. A chromosomal deletion of ydiO is then made according to the method of Link et al., J. Bact. 179:6228-6237, 1997. The resulting strain will not be capable of degrading fatty acids and fatty acyl-CoAs. Additional methods of generating a double knockout of fadE and ydiO are described, for example, in Campbell et al., Mol. Microbiol. 47:793-805, 2003.

It is also possible to avoid fatty acid degradation by selecting or employing a production host that does not contain the β-oxidation pathway. For example, several species of Streptococcus have been sequenced and no β-oxidation genes have been found.

Example 19. Identification of Additional Ester Synthases

This example provides additional ester synthases and methods of using such synthases for the production of fatty esters.

Using bioinformatics, additional ester synthases were identified. These ester synthases contain motifs that differ from other known motifs, such as the motifs found in ADP1. The differences in the motifs are noted in Table 19, below.

TABLE 19 Comparison of ester synthases motifs ADP1- HHAXVDG NDVVL GALRXY PLXAMV ISNVPG REPLYXNG motifs V A L P P A Hypo- HHSLIDG NDVAL GGLRRF SLIVVL VSNVPG EDVLYLRG thetical Y A L P P S protein BCG_3544c [Mycobac- terium  bovis BCG str. Pasteur 1173P2] gi/ 121639399 Protein  HHALVDG NDVAL GGLRKF SLIAFL VSNVPG REPLYFNG of Y A L P P S unknown function UPF0089 [Mycobac- terium gilvum PYR-GCK] gi/ 145221651 Protein  HHALVDG NDVAL GGLRKF SLIAFL VSNVPG REPLYFNG of Y A L P P S unknown function UPF0089 [Mycobac- terium vanbaa- lenii PYR-1] gi/ 120406715

The identified sequences can be cloned using standard molecular biology techniques. These sequences can be expressed using the vectors described herein and used to make various fatty esters. The motifs can also be used to identify other ester synthases.

Example 20. Product Characterization

To characterize and quantify the fatty alcohols and fatty esters, gas chromatography (GC) coupled with electron impact mass spectra (MS) detection was used. Fatty alcohol samples were first derivatized with an excess of N-trimethylsilyl (TMS) imidazole to increase detection sensitivity. Fatty esters did not require derivatization. Fatty alcohol-TMS derivatives and fatty esters were dissolved in an appropriate volatile solvent, such as, for example, ethyl acetate.

The samples were analyzed on a 30 m DP-5 capillary column using the following method. After a 1 μl splitless injection onto the GC/MS column, the oven was held at 100° C. for 3 minutes. The temperature was incrementally raised to 320° C. at a rate of 20° C./minute. The oven was held at 320° C. for an additional 5 minutes. The flow rate of the carrier gas helium was 1.3 mL/minute. The MS quadrapole scanned from 50 to 550 m/z. Retention times and fragmentation patterns of product peaks were compared with authentic references to confirm peak identity.

For example, hexadeconic acid ethyl ester eluted at 10.18 minutes (FIGS. 15A-B). The parent ion of 284 mass units was readily observed. More abundant were the daughter ions produced during mass fragmentation. The most prevalent daughter ion was of 80 mass units. The derivatized fatty alcohol hexadecanol-TMS eluted at 10.29 minutes and the parent ion of 313 were observed. The most prevalent ion was the M-14 ion of 299 mass units.

Quantification was carried out by injecting various concentrations of the appropriate authentic references using the GC/MS method as described herein. This information was used to generate a standard curve with response (total integrated ion count) versus concentration.

Example 21. Identification and Reclassification of a Microorganism Belonging to the Genus Jeotgalicoccus that is an α-Olefin Producer

Micrococcus candicans ATCC 8456 was previously reported to synthesize aliphatic hydrocarbons with carbon chain lengths ranging from C₁₈ to C₂₀ (Morrison et al., J. Bacteriol. 108:353-358, 1971). To identify the hydrocarbons produced by this strain, ATCC 8456 cells were cultured in 15 mL TSBYE medium (3% Tryptic Soy Broth+0.5% Yeast Extract), for 40-48 hours at 30° C. Cells from 5 mL of culture were pelleted, resuspended in 1 mL methanol, sonicated for 30 minutes, and extracted with 4 mL hexane. After solvent evaporation, samples were resuspended in 0.1 mL hexane and analyzed by GC-MS. The hydrocarbons were identified to be the following α-olefins: 15-methyl-1-heptadecene (a-C₁₈), 16-methyl-1-heptadecene (i-C₁₈), 1-nonadecene (n-C₁₉), 17-methyl-1-nonadecene (a-C₂₀) and 18-methyl-1-nonadecene (i-C₂₀) (see FIG. 34 (i=iso, a=anteiso, n=straight chain) and FIG. 36).

Based upon the following analyses, it was determined that ATCC 8456 was previously misidentified as belonging to the genus Micrococci. The phylogenetic classification of ATCC 8456 was reassessed by amplifying and sequencing the partial 16s rRNA gene using primers Eubac27 and 1492R (see DeLong et al., PNAS 89:5685, 1992). The 16s rRNA sequence of ATCC8456 was analyzed using the classifier program of the Ribosomal Database Project II (http://rdp.cme.msu.edu/index.jsp). Based upon this analysis, the strain was identified as belonging to the genus Jeotgalicoccus. The genus Jeotgalicoccus has been previously described (Jung-Hoon et al., Int. J. Syst. Evol. Microbiol. 53:595-602, 2003).

Additional analysis using the G+C content of ATCC 8456 was conducted. Jeotgalicoccus is a low G+C Gram-positive bacteria related to the genus Staphylococcus (see FIG. 37). Micrococci, on the other hand, are high G+C Gram-positive bacteria. The ends of several clones from a cosmid library of ATCC 8456 genomic DNA were sequenced. Based upon a DNA sequence of about 4,000 bp, the G+C content was determined to be about 36%. Nucleotide sequence searches against a non-redundant protein database revealed that all sequences with a match to a database entry were similar to proteins from low G+C Gram-positive bacteria, such as species belonging to the genus Staphylococcus or Bacillus, but not species belonging to the genus Micrococcus.

Next, an analysis of the entire genome of ATCC 8456 was conducted. Based on a DNA sequence of about 2.1 MB, the G+C content of the entire genome was determined to be about 36.7%. In contrast, bacteria of the genus Micrococcus are known to have high G+C genomes, e.g., the genome of Micrococcus luteus NCTC 2665 has a G+C content of 72.9% (GenBank Accession No. ABLQ01000001-68). Based upon the G+C content analysis, it was determined that the ATCC 8456 microorganism does not belong to the genus Micrococcus.

Additional Jeotgalicoccus strains were also examined to determine if they produced α-olefins. The following strains of Jeotgalicoccus were examined: Jeotgalicoccus halotolerans DSMZ 17274, Jeotgalicoccus psychrophiles DSMZ 19085, and Jeotgalicoccus pinnipedalis DSMZ 17030. Each strain was cultured in 15 mL TSBYE medium (3% Tryptic Soy Broth+0.5% Yeast Extract) and the hydrocarbons were isolated and analyzed by GC-MS as described above. All three strains produced α-olefins similar to the ones produced by ATCC 8456 (FIGS. 34B, 34C and 34D depict GC-MS traces for hydrocarbons produced by Jeotgalicoccus halotolerans DSMZ 17274 cells, Jeotgalicoccus pinnipedalis DSMZ 17030 cells, and Jeotgalicoccus psychrophiles DSMZ 19085 cells, respectively). These data indicate that the ability to produce α-olefins is widespread among the genus Jeotgalicoccus.

Example 22. Production of Increased Levels of Olefins and α-Olefins not Normally Produced by ATCC 8456 Cells Using Fatty Acid Feeding

The fatty acids eicosanoic acid (straight-chain C₂₀ fatty acid), 16-methyl octadecanoic acid and 17-methyl octadecanoic acid (branched-chain C₁₉ fatty acids) were identified as components of ATCC 8456's lipids. These fatty acids were deduced to be the direct precursors, after decarboxylation, for 1-nonadecene, 15-methyl-1-heptadecene and 16-methyl-1-heptadecene biosynthesis, respectively. In order to improve α-olefin production and to produce olefins not normally produced by ATCC 8456 cells, fatty acid feeding experiments were carried out as described below.

ATCC 8456 cells were cultured in 15 mL of a TSBYE medium (containing 3% Tryptic Soy Broth+0.5% Yeast Extract). Fatty acids were added to the culture medium at a final concentration of 0.5 g/L (0.05%). After growth for 40-48 hrs at 30° C., cells from 5 mL of culture were pelleted, resuspended in 1 mL methanol, sonicated for 30 minutes and extracted with 4 mL hexane. After solvent evaporation, samples were resuspended in 0.1 mL hexane and analyzed by GC-MS.

When cultures were fed eicosanoic acid, an increase in 1-nonadecene production of about 18-fold was observed (see FIG. 38A; black traces depict without and gray traces depict with fatty acid feeding). When cultures were fed stearic acid or palmitic acid, an increase in the production of the α-olefins 1-pentadecene and 1-heptadecene, respectively, was observed (see FIG. 38B). These olefins are not normally produced by ATCC 8456 cells. This indicated that fatty acids were the direct precursors for α-olefins and that Jeotgalicoccus bacteria can be used to enzymatically convert fatty acids into α-olefins in vivo.

Alternatively, resting Jeotgalicoccus cells can be fed with various fatty acids to achieve similar results.

Example 23. In Vitro Synthesis of α-Olefins Using Cell Extracts and Partially Purified Proteins

A cell free extract of ATCC 8456 was used to convert free fatty acids into α-olefins. The cell free extract was generated using the following procedure: ATCC 8456 cells were cultured in a TSBYE medium (containing 3% Tryptic Soy Broth+0.5% Yeast Extract) at 30° C. for 24 hrs with shaking. The cells were then pelleted from the culture by centrifugation at 3,700 rpm for 20 minutes. The cell pellet was then resuspended in 50 mM Tris buffer pH 7.5 with 0.1 M NaCl and 2.0 mM dithiothreitol to a concentration of 0.1 g/mL cells. To this cell slurry, 200 units/mL of lysostaphin (Sigma) was added on ice. The cell lysis reaction continued for 30 minutes. The cells were then sonicated at 12 W on ice for three cycles of 1.5 seconds of sonication followed by 1.5 seconds of rest. Sonication lasted for a total of 9 seconds. This procedure was repeated 5 times with a 1-minute interval between sonication cycles. The lysed cells were then subjected to centrifugation at 12,000 rpm for 10 minutes to pellet the cell debris. The supernatant (cell free extract) was removed and used for the conversion of free fatty acids to α-olefins.

After obtaining the cell free extract, the free fatty acids stearic acid and eicosanoic acid were converted to α-olefins using the cell free extract as described below. First, a 5% stock solution of sodium or potassium stearate was made in 1% Tergitol solution (Sigma, St. Louis, Mo.). Next, 6 μl of the stock solution was added to 1 mL of the cell free extract at room temperature to obtain a final concentration of 1 mM free fatty acid salt. The reaction was conducted at room temperature for 3 hrs. The α-olefins were recovered by adding 200 μl of ethyl acetate to the mixture, vortexing briefly, centrifuging briefly, and then removing the organic phase. The α-olefins were identified and/or detected by GC/MS.

FIG. 39 shows the GC/MS trace for the resulting products. In sample 1, no stearic acid was added to the cell free extract. In sample 2, the cell free extract was replaced with 50 mM Tris pH 7.5 buffer with 0.1 M sodium chloride to which stearic acid was added. In sample, stearic acid was added to the cell free extract. The peak at 7.62 minute had the same retention time and the same mass spectra as 1-heptadecene (Sigma). When eicosanoic acid was added under similar conditions, 1-nonadecene was formed.

Boiling the cell free extract eliminated the production of α-olefins upon the addition of free fatty acids. This data strongly suggested that the ATCC 8456 catalyst was protein based.

The ATCC 8456 cell free extract did not require additional co-factors to produce α-olefins. When the cell free extract was supplemented with several co-factors in 1 mM concentrations, no increase in α-olefin synthesis was observed. The co-factors examined were NAD+, NADP+, NADH, NADPH, FADH₂, SAM, ATP, and CoA. In addition, Mg²⁺ was examined, but at a 10 mM concentration. The co-factor requirement was also tested by dialyzing the cell free extract with a 10 kDa cut-off membrane for 1.5 hrs in a volume that was 200-fold greater than the cell extract volume using a dialysis buffer: 50 mM Tris, pH 7.5 with 0.1 M sodium chloride. No decrease in α-olefin synthesis was observed after dialysis. Additionally, no decrease in α-olefin synthesis was observed when 10 mM EDTA pH 7.5 was added to the reaction mixture.

The ATCC 8456 cell free extract was further enriched by carrying out an ammonium sulfate precipitation. First, enough ammonium sulfate was added to the cell free extract to bring the concentration of ammonium sulfate to 50% (wt/vol) saturation. The mixture was stirred gently on ice for 60 minutes and then centrifuged at 13,000 rpm for 30 minutes. The supernatant was recovered and additional ammonium sulfate was added to bring the ammonium sulfate concentration to 65% (wt/vol). The mixture was allowed to mix on ice for 60 minutes and was centrifuged again for 30 minutes. The supernatant was discarded. The pellet was then resuspended in 50 mM Tris buffer pH 7.5 with 0.1 M sodium chloride. This mixture was then dialyzed in the aforementioned buffer to remove the ammonium sulfate. The cell free extract treated with ammonium sulfate had the same α-olefin synthesizing activity as the cell free extract.

Example 24. Purification and Identification of a Protein that Converts Fatty Acids into α-Olefins

To isolate the protein necessary for α-olefin production from ATCC 8456 cells, the following protein purification procedure was carried out. First, 6 L of ATCC 8456 cells were cultured in a TSBYE medium at 30° C. for 24 hours with shaking. The cells were pelleted by centrifugation at 3,700 rpm for 20 minutes at 4° C., and the supernatant was discarded. The cell pellet was resuspended in a solution of 100 mL of 50 mM Tris pH 8.0, 0.1 M NaCl, 2.0 mM DTT, and bacterial protease inhibitors. The cell slurry was then passed through a French press one time at a pressure of 30,000 psi. Next, the cell slurry was sonicated as described in Example 3 to shear the DNA. The cell free extract was centrifuged at 10,000 rpm for 60 minutes at 4° C. The supernatant was then removed and ammonium sulfate was added to a final concentration of 50% (wt/vol). The mixture was gently stirred at 4° C. for 60 minutes and then centrifuged at 10,000 rpm for 30 minutes. The supernatant was then removed and additional ammonium sulfate was added to 65% (wt/vol) saturation. The mixture was stirred again for 60 minutes at 4° C. and centrifuged at 10,000 rpm for 30 mM. The supernatant was discarded. The remaining pellet was resuspended in 50 mL of 50 mM Tris pH 8.0 and 2.0 mM DTT.

The mixture was passed through a 5 mL HiTrap SP column (GE Healthcare) at 3 mL/min and 4° C. The following buffers were used as an elution gradient: buffer A contained 50 mM Tris pH 8.0 and 2.0 mM DTT; buffer B contained 50 mM Tris pH 8.0, 1.0 M NaCl, and 2.0 mM DTT. After the column was loaded with the mixture, the column was washed with 40% buffer B. Next a 20-minute gradient of 40% buffer B to 100% buffer B at 3.0 mL/min was carried out. 5 mL fractions were collected during the elution gradient. Each fraction was tested for activity as described in Example 3. Fractions containing α-olefin production activity typically eluted between 600 and 750 mM NaCl concentration. Fractions containing activity were then pooled and dialyzed into buffer A.

The dialyzed protein fraction was then loaded onto a 1 mL ResourceQ (GE Healthcare) column at 4 mL/min at 4° C. Buffer B used with the HiTrap SP column was also used for the ResourceQ column. A 7-minute elution gradient between 0% buffer B and 25% buffer B was run at 4 mL/min. 1.5 mL fractions were collected and assayed for activity. Active fractions eluted between 150 and 200 mM NaCl concentrations. Fractions containing activity were then pooled and concentrated with a Millipore Amicon protein concentrator (4 mL and 10 kDa exclusion size) to about 50 μL. The approximate protein concentration was determined with a Bradford assay (Bio-Rad). Final protein concentrations ranged from about 5 mg/mL to about 10 mg/mL. 30 μL of protein was then loaded onto a SDS PAGE gel (Invitrogen) along with an appropriate protein molecular weight marker. The gel was stained with Simple Safe Coomassie stain (Invitrogen). FIG. 40 depicts a representative gel. Two intense protein bands at 50 kDa and 20 kDa were observed.

To determine the identity of the protein bands, the bands were excised from the gel, digested with trypsin, and analyzed using LC/MS/MS. The LC/MS/MS data was analyzed using the program Mascot (Mann et al., Anal. Chem. 66:4390-4399, 1994). The ATCC 8456 genome was sequenced. The genomic data was used to interpret the LC/MS/MS data and to determine the identity of the protein bands. The 50 kDa band had a strong match with ORF880. The Mascot score assigned to this match was 919, a high score. Furthermore, ORF880 has a predicted molecular weight of 48,367 Da. The nucleotide and amino acid sequences of orf880 are presented in FIGS. 41A and 41B, respectively.

Example 25. Heterologous Expression of Jeotgalicoccus ATCC 8456 Orf880 in E. coli

Jeotgalicoccus ATCC 8456 Orf880 was identified as one of the two major proteins in a highly purified enzyme fraction that catalyzed the conversion of free fatty acids to α-olefins. The genomic DNA encoding ATCC 8456_orf880 was cloned into pCDF-Duet1 under the control of the T7 promoter, and E. coli was transformed with various vectors, as described below. The E. coli cells were cultured and the hydrocarbons produced by the cells were analyzed as described in Example 23. When 0.05% stearic acid was fed to cultures of E. coli transformed with the 8456_orf880-containing vector, the expression of 8456_orf880 led to the formation of 1-heptadecene in E. coli (see FIG. 42, which depicts GC/MS traces of α-olefins from E. coli either without (black) or with (gray) 8456_orf880 expression). In contrast, adding 0.05% stearic acid to cultures of E. coli transformed with a vector control (not containing ATCC_orf880) did not result in the production of 1-heptadecene. This demonstrated that 8456_orf880 synthesized α-olefins from free fatty acids in an E. coli heterologous host. This result indicates that α-olefin biosynthesis can be performed in heterologous organisms. Additionally, when E. coli cells expressing 8456_orf880 protein were fed with 0.05% palmitic acid or 0.05% eicosanoic acid, the production of 1-pentadecene or 1-nonadecene, respectively, was observed.

Example 26. In Vitro Synthesis of α-Olefins Using Orf880 Heterologously Expressed in and Purified from E. coli

The genomic DNA encoding ATCC8456_orf880 was cloned into the NdeI and XhoI sites of vector pET15b (Novagen) under the control of a T7 promoter for expression in and purification from E. coli. This plasmid expressed an N-terminal His-tagged version of 8456_orf880.

An E. coli BL21 strain (DE3) (Invitrogen) was transformed with pET15b-ORF 880 using routine chemical transformation techniques. Protein expression was carried out by first inoculating a colony of the E. coli strain in 5 mL of LB media supplemented with 100 mg/L carbenecillin and shaken overnight at 37° C. to produce a starter culture. This starter culture was used to inoculate 1 L of an LB medium supplemented with 100 mg/L carbenecillin. The culture was shaken at 37° C. until it reached an OD₆₀₀ value of 0.6. The culture was placed on ice for 10 minutes before IPTG was added to a final concentration of 250 μM. The culture was then shaken at 18° C. for about 18 hours. The culture was then centrifuged at 3,700 rpm for 20 minutes at 4° C. The pellet was resuspended in 30 mL of buffer containing 100 mM sodium phosphate buffer at pH 7.2, supplemented with Bacterial ProteaseArrest (GBiosciences). The cells were sonicated at 12 W on ice for 9 seconds with 1.5 seconds of sonication followed by 1.5 seconds of rest. This procedure was repeated 5 times with 1 minute intervals between each sonication cycle. The cell free extract was centrifuged at 10,000 rpm for 30 minutes at 4° C. 5 mL of Ni-NTA (Qiagen) was added to the supernatant and the mixture was gently stirred at 4° C. The slurry was passed through a column to remove the resin from the lysate. The resin was then washed with 30 mL of buffer containing 100 mM sodium phosphate buffer at pH 7.2, and 30 mM imidazole. Finally, the protein was eluted with 15 mL of 100 mM sodium phosphate buffer at pH 7.2 plus 250 mM imidazole. The protein solution was dialyzed with 200 volumes of 100 mM sodium phosphate buffer at pH 7.2. Protein concentration was determined using the Bradford assay (Bio-Rad). 125 μg/mL of protein was obtained.

To assay the in vitro fatty acid substrate specificity of ORF880, potassium salts of the following fatty acids were prepared: tetradecanoic acid, hexadecanoic acid, octadecanoic acid, eicosanoic acid, and behenic acid (Sigma). The fatty acid solutions were made with 2% ethanol and 2% Tergitol solution (Sigma, St. Louis, Mo.) to a final concentration of 20 mM.

The kinetics of the decarboxylation reaction and production was determined. A 200 μl reaction mixture was prepared containing the following reactants: 1.25 μM of ORF880, 200 μM of potassium octadecanoate, 200 μl dithiothreitol, and 100 mM sodium phosphate buffer at pH 7.2. The reaction mixture was incubated at room temperature and time points were taken in duplicate between 5 minute and 120 minute. The reaction was quenched and extracted by adding 100 μl of ethyl acetate containing 1-octadecene at 5 mg/L as an internal reference. Samples were analyzed using GC/MS using the alkane 1 splitless method, using the following parameters: run time: 20 mM; column: HP-5-MS Part No. 19091S-433E (length of 30 meters; I.D.: 0.25 mm narrowbore; film: 0.25 μM); sample: standard ethyl acetate extraction; inject: 1 μl Agilent 6850 inlet; inlet: 300° C. splitless; carrier gas: helium; flow: 1.3 mL/min; oven temp: 100° C. hold 5 mM, 320 at 20° C./min, 320 hold 5 min; det: Agilent 5975B VL MSD; det. temp: 300° C.; scan: 50-500 M/Z. Calibration curves were generated using 1-heptadecene dissolved in ethyl acetate. Based upon this analysis, the product production was determined to be linear from 5 minute to 60 minute.

To assay the reaction rates of different fatty acid substrates, the following 200 μl reaction mixtures were prepared: 1.0 μM ORF 880 enzyme, 200 μM of a test fatty acid salt, 200 μL dithiothreitol, and 100 mM sodium phosphate buffer at pH 7.2. The reactions were carried out at room temperature and time points were taken in triplicates at 20 minute and 47 minute using the extraction and analysis procedures as described above. Reference curves were generated using available chemical standards. In some instances, the chemical standards were not available. Under those circumstances, for example, cis-9-heneicosene was used as a reference for 1-heneicosene, and 9-tricosene was used as a reference for 1-tricosene. Activities were calculated by taking the difference between the average α-olefin concentrations for each substrate at 47 minute and 20 minute and then dividing the difference by 27 minute. The results are summarized in Table 20.

TABLE 20 Activity of ORF880 with different fatty acid substrates Activity (nM alkene Substrate produced/min) tetradecanoic acid 22.9 hexadecanoic acid 181.9 octadecanoic acid 77.2 eicosanoic acid 19.7 behenic acid 30.6

These results demonstrate that heterologously expressed ORF880 was able to convert fatty acid substrates to olefins in vitro. These data also show that ORF880 had greater activity when hexadecanoic acid was the fatty acid substrate.

Example 27. Production of α-Olefins from Glucose by Heterologous Expression of Jeotgalicoccus ATCC 8456 Orf880 in E. coli Mg1655 ΔfadD

1. Construction of fadD Deletion Strain

The fadD gene of E. coli MG1655 was deleted using the lambda red system (Datsenko et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA. 97: 6640-6645, 2000) as follows:

The chloramphenicol acetyltransferase gene from pKD3 was amplified using the primers

fad1: (SEQ ID NO: 43) 5′- TAACCGGCGTCTGACGACTGACTTAACGCTCAGGCTTTATTGTCCACTTT GTGTAGGCTGGAGCTGCTTCG-3′; and fad2: (SEQ ID NO: 44) 5′-CATTTGGGGTTGCGATGACGACGAACACGCAT TTTAGAGGTGAAGAATTGCATATGAATATCCTCCTTTAGTTCC-3′. This PCR product was electroporated into E. coli MG1655 (pKD46). The cells were plated on L-chloramphenicol (30 μg/mL)(L-Cm) and cultured overnight at 37° C. Individual colonies were selected and plated onto another L-Cm plate and cultured at 42° C. These colonies were then patched to L-Cm and L-carbenicillin (100 mg/mL) (L-Cb) plates and cultured at 37° C. overnight. Colonies that were Cm^(R) and Cb^(S) were evaluated further by PCR to ensure the PCR product inserted at the correct site. PCR verification was performed on colony lysates of these bacteria using primers fadF: 5′-CGTCCGTGGTAATCATTTGG-3′(SEQ ID NO:45); and fadR: 5′-TCGCAACCTTTTCGTTGG-3′(SEQ ID NO:46). Expected size of the ΔfadD::Cm deletion was about 1200 bp (FIG. 10). The chloramphenicol resistance gene was eliminated using a FLP helper plasmid as described in Datsenko et al. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA. 97: 6640-6645, 2000. PCR verification of the deletion was performed with primers fadF and fadR. The MG1655 ΔfadD strain was unable to grow on M9+oleate agar plates (oleate as carbon source). It was also unable to grow in M9+oleate liquid media.

2. Expression of Jeotgalicoccus ATCC 8456 orf880 in E. coli MG1655 ΔfadD

The genomic DNA encoding ATCC 8456_orf880, which was codon-optimized for expression in E. coli, was cloned into vector OP80 (pCL1920 derivative) under the control of a P_(trc) promoter, and E. coli MG1655 ΔfadD was transformed with the resulting vector. The E. coli cells were cultured at 37° C. in an M9 mineral medium supplemented with 20 μg/mL uracil and 100 μg/mL spectinomycin. Glucose (1%, w/v) was the only source of carbon and energy. When the culture reached an OD₆₀₀ of 0.8 to 1.0, IPTG (1 mM) was added and the temperature was shifted to 25° C. After growth for an additional 18 to 24 hours at 25° C., cells from 10 mL of culture were pelleted, resuspended in 1 mL methanol, sonicated for 30 minutes, and extracted with 4 mL hexane. After solvent evaporation, samples were resuspended in 0.1 mL hexane and analyzed by GC-MS. In contrast to the vector-only control, E. coli cells transformed with the orf880-bearing vector produced the α-olefins 1-pentadecene and heptadecadiene. This result indicates that expression of ORF880 confers the ability to biosynthesize α-olefins to E. coli when cultured on glucose, and that the direct precursors are the most abundant fatty acids in E. coli, namely hexadecanoic acid and vaccenic acid (11-cis-octadecenoic acid).

Example 28. Identification of Carboxylic Acid Reductase (CAR) Homologs

The carboxylic acid reductase (CAR) from Nocardia sp. strain NRRL 5646 can reduce carboxylic acids into corresponding aldehydes without separate activating enzymes, such as acyl-CoA synthases (Li et al., J. Bacteriol. 179:3482-3487, 1997; He et al., Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 70:1874-1881, 2004)). A BLAST search using the NRRL 5646 CAR amino acid sequence (Genpept Accession No. AAR91681) as the query sequence identified about 20 homologous sequences. Three homologs, listed in Table 21, were evaluated for their ability to convert fatty acids into fatty aldehydes in vivo when expressed in E. coli. At the nucleotide sequence level, carA, carB, and fadD9 (demonstrated 62.6%, 49.4%, and 60.5% homology, respectively, to the car gene (AY495697) of Nocardia sp. NRRL 5646. At the amino acid level, CARA, CARB, and FadD9 demonstrated 62.4%, 59.1% and 60.7% identity, respectively, to CAR of Nocardia sp. NRRL 5646.

TABLE 21 CAR-like Protein and the corresponding coding sequences. Genpept Accession Locus_tag Annotation in GenBank Gene name NP_217106 Rv 2590 Probable fatty-acid-CoA ligase fadD9 (FadD9) ABK75684 MSMEG NAD dependent carA 2956 epimerase/dehydratase family protein YP_889972.1 MSMEG NAD dependent carB 5739 epimerase/dehydratase family protein

Example 29. Expression of Car Homologs in E. coli

1. Plasmid Construction

Three E. coli expression plasmids were constructed to express the genes encoding the CAR homologs listed in Table 22, below. First, fadD9 was amplified from genomic DNA of Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv (obtained from The University of British Columbia, and Vancouver, BC Canada) using the primers fadD9F and FadDR (see Table 22). The PCR product was first cloned into PCR-blunt (Invitrogen) and then released as an NdeI-AvrII fragment. The NdeI-AvrII fragment was then cloned between the NdeI and AvrII sites of pACYCDuet-1 (Novogen) to generate pACYCDuet-1-fadD9.

The carA and carB genes were amplified from the genomic DNA of Mycobacterium smegmatis MC2 155 (obtained from the ATCC (ATCC 23037D-5)) using primers CARMCaF and CARMCaR or CARMCbF and CARMCbR, respectively (see, Table 22). Each PCR product was first cloned into PCR-blunt and then released as an NdeI-AvrII fragment. Each of the two fragments was then subcloned between the NdeI and AvrII sites of pACYCDuet-1 (Novogen) to generate pACYCDUET-carA and pACYCDUET-carB.

TABLE 22 Primers used to amplify genes encoding  CAR homologs fadD9F CAT ATGTCGATCAACGATCAGCGACTGAC (SEQ ID NO: 47) fadD9R CCTAGG TCACAGCAGCCCGAGCAGTC (SEQ ID NO: 48) CARMCaF CAT ATGACGATCGAAACGCG (SEQ ID NO: 49) CARMCaR CCTAGG TTACAGCAATCCGAGCATCT (SEQ ID NO: 50) CARMCbF CAT ATGACCAGCGATGTTCAC (SEQ ID NO: 51) CARMCbR CCTAGG TCAGATCAGACCGAACTCACG (SEQ ID NO: 52)

2. Evaluation of Fatty Aldehyde Production

Plasmids encoding the CAR homologs (pACYCDUET-fadD9, pACYCDUET-carA, and pACYCDUET-carB) were separately co-transformed into the E. coli strain C41 (DE3, ΔfadE) (described in PCT/US08/058788) together with pETDuet-1-‘TesA (described in PCT/US08/058788, the disclosures of which is incorporated by reference herein).

The E. coli transformants were cultured in 3 mL of an LB medium supplemented with carbenicillin (100 mg/L) and chloramphenicol (34 mg/L) at 37° C. After overnight growth, 15 μl of culture was transferred into 2 mL of a fresh LB medium supplemented with carbenicillin and chloramphenicol. After 3.5 hours of growth, 2 mL of culture were transferred into a 125 mL flask containing 20 mL of an M9 medium with 2% glucose and with carbenicillin and chloramphenicol. When the OD₆₀₀ of the culture reached 0.9, 1 mM of IPTG was added to each flask. After 20 hours of growth at 37° C., 20 mL of ethyl acetate (with 1% of acetic acid, v/v) was added to each flask to extract the organic compounds produced during the fermentation. The crude ethyl acetate extract was directly analyzed with GC/MS as described below. The co-expression of the leaderless ‘TesA and any of the three car genes in E. coli resulted in detectable fatty aldehyde production. In one fermentation, LS9001/pACYCDUET carB+pETDuet-1-‘TesA produced an average of 120 mg/L of fatty aldehydes. The retention times were 6.959 minutes for dodecanal, 8.247 minutes for 7-tetradecenal, 8.37 minutes for tetradecanal, 9.433 minutes for 9-hexadecenal, 9.545 minutes for hexadecanal, and 10.945 minutes for 11-octadecenal. The presence of large amounts of fatty aldehydes is consistent with CAR being an aldehyde-generating, fatty acid reductase (AFAR). This mechanism is different from the alcohol-generating fatty acyl-CoA reductases (FAR), for example, JjFAR, and fatty acyl-CoA reductases, such as Acr1.

3. Substrate Preferences of the CAR Homologs

Distinct substrate preferences were observed among the three CAR homologs evaluated. FadD9 exhibited a strong preference for C₁₂ fatty acids relative to other fatty acids with carbon chain lengths greater than 12. Both CarA and CarB demonstrated wider substrate ranges than FadD9.

4. Quantification and Identification of Fatty Aldehydes

A GC-MS experiment was performed using an Agilent 5975B MSD system equipped with a 30 m×0.25 mm (0.10 μm film) DB-5 column. The column temperature was 3-minute isothermal at 100° C. The column was programmed to rise from 100° C. to 320° C. at a rate of 20° C./min. When the final temperature was reached, the column remained isothermal for 5 minutes at 320° C. The injection volume was 1 μL. The carrier gas, helium, was released at 1.3 mL/min. The mass spectrometer was equipped with an electron impact ionization source. The ionization source temperature was set at 300° C.

Prior to quantification, various aldehydes were identified using two methods. First, the GC retention time of each compound was compared to the retention time of a known standard, such as laurylaldehyde (dodecanal). Second, identification of each compound was confirmed by matching the compound's mass spectrum to a standard's mass spectrum in the mass spectra library.

Example 30. Production of Fatty Alcohol by Heterologous Expression of Car Homologs in E. coli Mg1655 (De3, Δfadd)

1. Construction of fadD Deletion Strain

The fadD gene of E. coli MG1655 was deleted using the lambda red system (Datsenko et al., PNAS (USA). 97: 6640-6645, 2000) as follows: The chloramphenicol acetyltransferase gene from pKD3 was amplified with primers fad1: 5′-TAACCGGCGTCTGACGACTGACTTAACGCTCAGGCTTTATTGTCCACTTTGTGTAGGCTG GAGCTGCTTCG-3′(SEQ ID NO:43); and fad2: 5′-CATTTGGGGTTGCGATGACGACGAACACGCATTTTAGAGGTGAAGAATTGCATATGAAT ATCCTCCTTTAGTTCC-3′(SEQ ID NO:44). This PCR product was electroporated into E. coli MG1655 (pKD46). The cells were plated on L-chloramphenicol (30 μg/mL) (L-Cm) and cultured overnight at 37° C. Individual colonies were selected and plated onto another L-Cm plate and cultured at 42° C. These colonies were then patched to L-Cm and L-carbenicillin (100 mg/mL) (L-Cb) plates and cultured at 37° C. overnight. Colonies that were Cm^(R) and Cb^(S) were evaluated further by PCR to ensure the PCR product inserted at the correct site. PCR verification was performed on colony lysates of these bacteria using primers fadF: 5′-CGTCCGTGGTAATCATTTGG-3′(SEQ ID NO:45); and fadR: 5′-TCGCAACCTTTTCGTTGG-3′(SEQ ID NO:46). Expected size of the ΔfadD::Cm deletion was about 1200 bp. The chloramphenicol resistance gene was eliminated using a FLP helper plasmid as described in Datsenko et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 97:6640-6645, 2000. PCR verification of the deletion was performed using primers fadF and fadR. The MG1655 ΔfadD strain was unable to grow on M9+oleate agar plates (using oleate as carbon source). It was also unable to grow in M9+oleate liquid media. The growth defect was complemented by an E. coli fadD gene supplied in trans (in pCL1920-Ptrc).

2. Construction of MG1655(DE3, ΔfadD) Strain

To generate a T7-responsive strain, the λDE3 Lysogenization Kit (Novagen) was utilized, which is designed for site-specific integration of λDE3 prophage into an E. coli host chromosome, such that the lysogenized host can be used to express target genes cloned in T7 expression vectors. λDE3 is a recombinant phage carrying the cloned gene for T7 RNA polymerase under lacUV5 control. Briefly, the host strain was cultured in an LB medium supplemented with 0.2% maltose, 10 mM MgSO₄, and antibiotics at 37° C., to an OD₆₀₀ of 0.5. Next, 10⁸ pfu λDE3, 10⁸ pfu Helper Phage, and 10⁸ pfu Selection Phage were incubated with 10 μl host cells. The host/phage mixture was incubated at 37° C. for 20 minutes to allow the phage to be adsorbed into the host. Finally, the mixture was pipetted onto an LB plate supplemented with antibiotics. The mixture was spread evenly using plating beads, and the plates were inverted plates and incubated at 37° C. overnight.

λDE3 lysogen candidates were evaluated for their ability to support the growth of the T7 Tester Phage. T7 Tester Phage is a T7 phage deletion mutant that is completely defective unless active T7 RNA polymerase is provided by the host cell. The T7 Tester Phage makes very large plaques on authentic λDE3 lysogens in the presence of IPTG, while much smaller plaques are observed in the absence of inducer. The relative size of the plaques in the absence of IPTG is an indication of the basal level expression of T7 RNA polymerase in the lysogen, and can vary widely between different host cell backgrounds.

The following procedure was used to determine the presence of DE3 lysogeny. First, candidate colonies were cultured in LB media supplemented with 0.2% maltose, 10 mM MgSO₄, and antibiotics at 37° C., to an OD₆₀₀ of 0.5. An aliquot of T7 Tester Phage was then diluted in 1× Phage Dilution Buffer to a titer of 2×10³ pfu/mL. In duplicate tubes, 100 μl host cells were mixed with 100 μL diluted phage. The host/phage mixture was incubated at room temperature for 10 minutes to allow the phage to be adsorb into the host. Next, 3 mL of molten top agarose was added to each tube containing host and phage. The contents of one duplicate were plated onto an LB plate and the other duplicate onto an LB plate supplemented with 0.4 mM IPTG (isopropyl-b-thiogalactopyranoside) to evaluate induction of T7 RNA polymerase. Plates were allowed to sit undisturbed for 5 minutes until the top agarose hardened. The plates were then inverted at 30° C. overnight.

3. Construction of MG1655(DE3, ΔfadD, yjgB::Kan) Strain

The yjgB knockout strain, MG1655(DE3, ΔfadD, yjgB::kan), was constructed using the following the protocol of the lambda red system (Datsenko et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 97:6640-6645, 2000):

The kanamycin resistant gene from pKD13 was amplified with primers yjgBRn: 5′-GCGCCTCAGATCAGCGCTGCGAATGATTTTCAAAAATCGGCTTTCAACACTGTAGGCTG GAGCTGCTTCG-3′SEQ ID NO:53); and yjgBFn: 5′-CTGCCATGCTCTACACTTCCCAAACAACACCAGAGAAGGACCAAAAAATGATTCCGGGG ATCCGTCGACC-3′(SEQ ID NO:54). The PCR product was then electroporated into E. coli MG1655 (DE3, ΔfadD)/pKD46. The cells were plated on kanamycin (50 μg/mL) (L-Kan) and cultured overnight at 37° C. Individual colonies were selected and plated onto another L-Kan plate and cultured at 42° C. These colonies were then patched to L-Kan and carbenicillin (100 mg/mL) (L-Cb) plates and cultured at 37° C. overnight. Colonies that were kan^(R) and Cb^(S) were evaluated further by PCR to ensure the PCR product was inserted at the correct site. PCR verification was performed on colony lysates of these bacteria using primers BF: 5′-GTGCTGGCGATACGACAAAACA-3′(SEQ ID NO:55); and BR: 5′-CCCCGCCCTGCCATGCTCTACAC-3′(SEQ ID NO:56). The expected size of the yjgB::kan knockout was about 1450 bp.

4. Evaluation of FadD on Fatty Alcohol Production Using MG1655 (DE3, ΔfadD) Strain

In Example 2, a fadE deletion strain was used for fatty aldehyde and fatty alcohol production from ‘TesA, CAR homologs, and endogenous alcohol dehydrogenase(s) in E. coli. To demonstrate that CAR homologs used fatty acids instead of acyl-CoA as a substrate, the gene encoding for acyl-CoA synthase in E. coli (fadD) was deleted so that the fatty acids produced were not activated with CoA. E. coli strain MG1655 (DE3, ΔfadD) was transformed with pETDuet-1-“TesA and pACYCDuet-1-carB. The transformants were evaluated for fatty alcohol production using the methods described herein. These transformants produced about 360 mg/L of fatty alcohols (dodecanol, dodecenol, tetredecanol, tetredecenol, cetyl, hexadecenol, and octadecenol).

YjgB is an alcohol dehydrogenase. To confirm that YjgB was an alcohol dehydrogenase responsible for converting fatty aldehydes into their corresponding fatty alcohols, pETDuet-1-‘TesA and pACYCDuet-1-fadD9 were co-transformed into either MG1655(DE3, ΔfadD) or MG1655(DE3, ΔfadD, yjgB::kan). At the same time, MG1655(DE3, ΔfadD, yjgB::kan) was transformed with both pETDuet-1-‘tesA-yjgB and pACYCDuet-1-fadD9.

The E. coli transformants were cultured in 3 mL of an LB medium supplemented with carbenicillin (100 mg/L) and chloramphenicol (34 mg/L) at 37° C. After overnight growth, 15 μL of culture was transferred into 2 mL of a fresh LB medium supplemented with carbenicillin and chloramphenicol. After 3.5 hrs of growth, 2 mL of culture was transferred into a 125 mL flask containing 20 mL of an M9 medium containing 2% glucose, carbenicillin, and chloramphenicol. When the OD₆₀₀ of the culture reached 0.9, 1 mM of IPTG was added to each flask. After 20 hours of growth at 37° C., 20 mL of ethyl acetate (with 1% of acetic acid, v/v) was added to each flask to extract the fatty alcohols produced during the fermentation. The crude ethyl acetate extract was directly analyzed using GC/MS as described herein.

The yjgB knockout strain resulted in significant accumulation of dodecanal and a lower fatty alcohol titer. The expression of yjgB from plasmid pETDuet-1-‘tesA-yjgB in the yjgB knockout strain effectively removed the accumulation of dodecanal. The data indicated that YjgB was involved in converting dodecanal into dodecanol and that there may be other alcohol dehydrogenase(s) present in E. coli to convert other aldehydes into alcohols. Dodecanal accumulated in the yjgB knockout strain, but it was not observed in either the wild-type strain (MG1655(DE3, ΔfadD)) or the yjgB knockout strain with the yjgB expression plasmid.

Example 31. Generation of ‘TesA Library

In this Example, methods are described for preparing a mutant library of ‘TesA. A suitable expression vector such as pACYC-‘TesA that encodes ‘TesA, the truncated TesA lacking a signal peptide, enables production of the ‘TesA protein in the host strain. The plasmid pACYC-‘TesA includes the ‘tesA sequence under the regulation of a trc promoter, a transcription terminator, a p15a origin of replication, an open reading frame encoding lacIq, and the beta-lactamase antibiotic resistance gene.

The ‘TesA protein amino acid sequence is provided in FIG. 58 (SEQ ID NO:31).

The QuikChange Mutagenesis kit (Stratagene) enables the facile construction of large numbers of mutants. Use of this kit to construct each ‘TesA mutant starts with two complementary primers containing one or more mismatched bases required to change the encoded amino acid at the desired position. The primers are 25-45 nucleotides in length, with melting temperature >78° C. as calculated using the formula:

T _(m)=81.5+0.41(% GC) 675/N

where T_(m) is the melting temperature, % GC is the percent of residues in the primer that are guanosine or cytidine, and N is the number of nucleotides in the primer. For example, the primers:

(SEQ ID NO: 57) CACGTTATTGATTCTGGGTAATAGCCTGAGCGCCGGGTATCG and (SEQ ID NO: 58) CGATACCCGGCGCTCAGGCTATTACCCAGAATCAATAACGTG

were used to mutate the aspartic acid at residue 9 to asparagine, where the underlined bases indicate the codon that was changed.

The primers were used in a polymerase chain reaction with pACYC-‘TesA as a template, using the following temperature cycling program: 1 minute at 95° C.; followed by 18 cycles of 50 seconds at 95° C., 50 seconds at 60° C., and 5 minutes at 68° C.; and 7 minutes at 68° C. The reaction products were then digested using the restriction enzyme DpnI, to selectively degrade the methylated template DNA. The remaining DNA was then transformed into E. coli for isolation of plasmid clones, which were then sequenced to verify that the desired substitutions have been obtained.

Example 32. Assays

In the following Examples, assays for determining protein content, free fatty acid levels, and hydrolysis of acyl-PNP and acyl-CoA substrates are described. Specific assays used herein are also set forth below.

1. Assay for Determination of Protein Content in Cell Lysates

Cell lysates of E. coli expression cultures producing ‘TesA variants were prepared for characterization. To generate the expression cultures, seed cultures were grown overnight at 37° C. in an LB medium containing 1% (w/v) glucose and 100 μg/mL carbenicillin. The seed cultures were then diluted 1:100 into the same medium and grown for 3 hours at 37° C. with shaking (200 rpm). A 40 μL aliquot of each culture was then added to 360 μL of LS9-1 medium (described below) supplemented with 100 μg/mL carbenicillin and grown in a 96-well culture plate. After 3 additional hours of growth, isopropyl β-D-1-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG, at 1 mM final concentration) and Bis-Tris Propane (pH 7.0, at 0.1 M final concentration) were added, and the cultures were allowed to grow overnight.

Cell pellets were harvested by centrifugation of the expression cultures (10 minutes at 3,500 rpm). The growth medium is discarded and the cell pellets stored at −80° C. To prepare soluble extracts, the frozen cell pellets are lysed in 50% BugBuster (EMD Biosciences, Cat. No. 70584-4) in 25 mM sodium phosphate, pH 7.0. Following 40 minutes of agitation, the cell lysates are clarified by centrifugation (10 minutes at 3,500 rpm). The concentration of protein in the supernatant of the cell lysate is then measured using the bicinchoninic acid (BCA) assay, according to the protocol provided by manufacturer (Thermo Scientific, Cat. No. 23225). The supernatant is then used in the assays described below.

Medium:

5x Salt Solution 1X final concentration Na₂HPO₄  30 g   6 g/L KH₂PO4  15 g   3 g/L NaCl 2.5 g 0.5 g/L NH₄Cl   5 g   1 g/L dH₂O to 1 L stock solutions: final concentration: 10 mg/mL Thiamine (Vitamin B1) 1 mg/L 1M MgSO₄ 1 mM 1M CaCl₂ 0.1 mM 20% glucose 2.00% sterile water 20 mg/mL uracil 20 μg/mL high pH trace minerals 1000x 1x For 1 L L59-1 media with 1.0 % glucose: 200 mL 5x Salt Solution 100 μL Thiamine (B1) 1 ml MgSO₄ 100 μL CaCl₂ 50 mL 20% Glucose 1 mL trace minerals 1 mL Uracil Water to 1 L (premake it 750 mL) TM solution (filter sterilized): 27 g/L FeCl₃-6 H₂O 2 g/L ZnCl₂-4H₂O 2 g/L CaCl₂-6H₂O 2 g/L Na₂MoO₄-2H₂O 1.9 g/L CuSO₄-5H₂O 0.5 g/L H₃BO₃ 100 mL/L concentrated HCl q.s. w/Milli-Q water

2. Free Fatty Acid Analysis

‘TesA variants are produced in E. coli expression cultures, and the free fatty acids produced by the cultures were analyzed. To generate the expression cultures, seed cultures were first grown overnight at 37° C. in an LB medium containing 1% (w/v) glucose and 100 μg/mL carbenicillin, and then diluted 1:100 into the same medium and grown for 3 hours at 37° C. with shaking (200 rpm). 40 μL of each culture was then added to 360 μL of LS9-1 medium supplemented with 100 μg/mL carbenicillin, and grown in a 96-well culture plate. After 3 additional hours of growth, isopropyl β-D-1-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG, at 1 mM final concentration) and Bis-Tris Propane (pH 7.0, at 0.1 M final concentration) were added, and the cultures were allowed to grow overnight.

The cultures were then acidified with 1 N HCl to a final pH of about 2.5 and then extracted with 600 μL ethyl acetate. Free fatty acids in the organic phase were derivatized with tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH) to generate the respective methyl esters, which were then analyzed on a gas chromatograph equipped with a flame ionization detector.

3. Fatty Acyl-PNP Hydrolysis Assay

In this assay system, the reagent solutions used were:

1. 2% Triton X-100 in 50 mM sodium phosphate, pH 7.0

2. 10 mM acyl-para-nitrophenol (acyl-PNP) in acetone

To prepare an acyl-PNP working solution, 600 μL acyl-PNP stock was added to 9.4 mL phosphate buffer and mixed well.

The assay was performed by adding 40 μL of the acyl-PNP working solution to each well of a 96-well plate, followed by the rapid addition of 40 μL of clarified cell lysate. The solutions were mixed for 15 seconds, and the absorbance change was read at 405 nm in a microtiter plate reader at 25° C. The esterase activity was expressed as the ratio of (ΔA405/sec)_(mut)/(ΔA405/sec)_(wt), wherein (ΔA405/sec)_(mut) was the change in absorbance at 405 nm per second in samples containing mutant ‘TesA, and (ΔA405/sec)_(wt) was the change in absorbance at 405 nm per second in samples containing wildtype ‘TesA.

4. Acyl-CoA Hydrolysis Assay

In this assay system, the reagent solutions used were:

10 mM acyl-coenzyme A (acyl-CoA) in 50 mM sodium phosphate, pH 7.0 50 mM sodium phosphate, pH 8.0, 50 mM monobromobimane (MBB) (Novagen, Cat. No. 596105) in acetonitrile. To prepare acyl-CoA working solution, 0.5 mL acyl-CoA stock and 0.5 mL MBB stock were added to 29 mL phosphate buffer followed by mixing.

The assay was performed by adding 60 μL of the acyl-CoA working solution to each well of a black 96-well plate, followed by the rapid addition of 40 μL of clarified cell lysate. After mixing for 15 seconds, the progress of the reaction was monitored by fluorescence (λ_(ex)=380 nm, λ_(em)=480 nm) in a microtiter plate reader at 25° C. The acyl-CoA thioesterase activity was expressed as the ratio of (ΔRFU/sec)_(mut)/(ΔRFU/sec)_(wt), where (ΔRFU/sec)_(mut) was the change in relative fluorescence units per second in samples containing mutant ‘TesA, and (ΔRFU/sec)_(wt) was the change in relative fluorescence units per second in samples containing wildtype ‘TesA.

5. Applying the Z Score Methodology

A Z-score determination was conducted following the Z score methodology as follows.

The Z score for a sample is defined as the number of standard deviations the sample signal differs from the control population signal mean. The Z score has been used to rank the mutants according to properties of interest such as, for example, substrate chain length specificity, relative preference for ester over thioester bonds, relative preference for thioester bonds over ester bonds, and the proportion or percentage of ester produced. The Z score is measured using the following calculation:

Z=(sample value−control average)/Standard deviation of controls

The positive control used to generate the mutant ‘TseA library herein was wild type ‘TesA.

In a normal distribution, about 2.1% of the data will comprise 2 or more standard deviations above the mean, and about 0.1% of the data will comprise 3 or more standard deviations above the mean. Therefore Z scores of 2 or greater, 3 or greater, −2 or less, −3 or less and so forth are used to define more and more stringent classes of data that are unlikely to occur by random chance.

Those variants that have a Z score greater than 3 were marked as having an improved performance in terms of preference for substrates of certain chain lengths and/or catalytic rate. Also, those variants that have a Z score greater than 3 were marked, under other circumstances, as providing an improved or enhanced proportional or percentage yield for fatty esters vs. free fatty acids. Additionally, those variants that have a Z score of −3 or less were marked, in yet other circumstances, as providing a reduced proportional or percentage yield for fatty esters vs. free fatty acids.

Substrate specificity numbers are defined as the kinetic slope of a given mutant for one substrate, divided by the total of the kinetic slopes for the three substrates studied in the PNP assay (C₁₀, C₁₂, C₁₄), where the kinetic slope is the observed initial rate for the hydrolysis of a given ester substrate.

For example, to calculate a substrate specificity number for C₁₀:

C₁₀ SubsSpec=Mutant Slope C₁₀/(Mutant Slope C₁₀+C₁₂+C₁₄)

Next a substrate specificity Z score was calculated. The Average and Standard Deviations of the substrate specificity numbers for the positive controls were first calculated (for each plate), and the following formula was applied:

Mutant C₁₀ SubSpec Z score=(Mutant SubSpec C₁₀−AvgSubSpec)/SDSubSpec

As another example, to calculate an ester specificity number:

EsterSpec=Mutant Slope C₁₄-PNP/Mutant Slope C₁₄-CoA

Next an ester specificity Z score was calculated. The Average and Standard Deviations of the ester specificity numbers for the positive controls were first calculated (for each plate), and the following formula was applied:

Mutant Ester Specificity Z score=(Mutant EsterSpec−AvgEsterSpec)/SDEsterSpec Those variants which have an Ester Specificity Z score greater than 3 were defined and marked as having a preference for ester over thioester, and/or as having improved activity (i.e., catalytic rate) with regard to ester over thioester. Those variants which have an Ester Specificity Z score less than −3 were marked as having a preference for thioester over ester.

Example 33. Free Fatty Acid Analysis of ‘TesA Variants

In this Example, assay results identifying various properties of ‘TesA variants are provided. The analysis was conducted using the methods described above in Example 32. In the tables of FIGS. 45 and 46, the mutations are presented using “Variant Codes,” each of which provides the wildtype amino acid, followed by the position in the amino acid sequence, followed by the replacement amino acid (e.g., “S10A” indicates that the serine at position 10 in the amino acid sequence has been replaced by alanine in this particular variant).

Example 34. Analysis of ‘TesA Variants

Assay results for ‘TesA variants are provided in FIGS. 45 and 46. The analysis was conducted using the methods described above in Example 32. As shown in FIG. 45, activity levels on C₁₀, C₁₂ and C₁₄ substrates and substrate specificities were analyzed.

FIG. 45 depicts performance indices of certain ‘TesA variants of the mutant ‘TesA library, which demonstrated improved performance compared to the wildtype enzyme. FIG. 45A-B depict performance indices of ‘TesA mutants in terms of specificity for substrates of certain chain lengths.

FIG. 46A depicts ‘TesA mutants that provided increased or enhanced proportional or percentage yield of fatty esters vs. free fatty acids. FIG. 46B depicts ‘TesA mutants that provided reduced proportional or percentage yield of fatty esters vs. free fatty acids. Only mutants that had Z scores above 3 are illustrated in the table and other mutants having lesser activity are not included. Notwithstanding the presentation of data, it is submitted that a lower Z score may identify valuable mutants and the Z score cut-off of 3 provided in FIG. 45 is not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

The results are represented graphically along the entire length of the ‘TesA molecule in FIGS. 57A-C.

1. Fatty Acid Production Activity for ‘TesA Variants

Assay results for fatty acid production activity in ‘TesA variants are conducted using the methods described above in Example 32.

2. Fatty Acyl-PNP Assay of ‘TesA Variants

Assay results for fatty acyl-PNP activity of ‘TesA variants are provided in FIG. 45. The analysis was conducted using the methods described above in Example 32.

3. Acyl-CoA Analysis of ‘TesA Variants

Assay results for acyl-CoA activity of ‘TesA variants are provided in FIG. 45. The analysis was conducted using the methods described above in Example 32.

4. Preference for Thioester (Acyl-CoA) over Ester (Acyl-PNP)

Assay results for acyl-CoA activity and acyl-PNP activity of ‘TesA variants are conducted using the methods described above in Example 32.

5. Preference for Ester (Acyl-CoA) over Thioester (Acyl-CoA)

Assay results for acyl-CoA activity and acyl-PNP activity of ‘TesA variants are conducted using the methods described above in Example 32.

Example 35. Direct Production of Fatty Esters in the Absence of Ester Synthase

In this example, the ability of ‘TesA to catalyze the transesterification of a fatty acyl-CoA into the corresponding fatty ester in the presence of an alcohol in vitro is demonstrated. E. coli ‘TesA enzyme was recombinantly expressed and purified to homogeneity as an N-terminal 6×His-tagged protein. In particular, the ‘TesA gene encoding thioesterase I enzyme from E. coli (SEQ ID NO:31 of FIG. 58) was inserted into a pET15-b vector (Novagen), which vector carried an N-terminal 6×His-tag, and transformed into BL21-DE3 cells for expression. Cells were cultured in LB media at 37° C., 200 rpm, until OD₆₀₀ reached 1.0, induced with 0.5 mM IPTG (final), and then allowed to grow at 28° C. for an additional 5 hours. After harvesting at 6,000 rpm, the pellet was resuspended in 40 mL of 100 mM Tris-HCl, pH 7.4, sonicated and centrifuged at 10,000 rpm for 20 minutes. Clarified lysate was then applied to a His-bind column (Calbiochem) and the protein was purified as per the manufacturer's instruction. Eluted protein was then dialyzed into a buffer containing 25 mM sodium phosphate, pH 7.2, and 10% glycerol for storage and use. Thioesterase activity of the purified ‘TesA enzyme was determined.

Catalysis of fatty acyl-CoA to fatty ester by ‘TesA involves a nucleophilic attack by an alcohol on the carbonyl center subsequent to the exit of the coenzyme A moiety from the active site. The rate of spontaneous transesterification of palmitic acid by ethanol in the absence of ‘TesA was analyzed to prove that ethanol can replace water as the nucleophile to form fatty esters instead of fatty acids.

Accordingly, a 4 mM (about 1 mg/mL) aliquot of palmitic acid (C₁₆-COOH) (Sigma) was incubated with varying amounts of ethanol for different time periods at room temperature. Samples were extracted with a 1:1 volumetric ratio of ethyl acetate and the extract was analyzed using GC-MS for the presence of ethyl palmitate. The results are compiled in Table 23 below, which indicated that spontaneous transesterification between ethanol and palmitic acid occurs at a conversion rate of less than 0.01 mole/mole of palmitic acid.

TABLE 23 % Ethanol C₂C₁₆ formed*, % conversion % conversion (v/v) mg/L (g/g) (mole/mole) 0 0 0 0 20 0.34 0.034 0.030 30 0.25 0.025 0.022 40 0.25 0.025 0.022 50 0.35 0.035 0.031 *: Average of two data points.

The rate of in vitro transesterification catalyzed by ‘TesA on palmitoyl-CoA substrate was analyzed. Reactions were carried out at room temperature for 1 hour in a buffer containing 100 μM of palmitoyl-CoA, 100 μM of Phosphate buffer pH 7.0 and 1 mM BSA, either in the presence or absence of 1.5 μM of purified ‘TesA. Ethanol concentrations varied between 0-60% (v/v). 1:1 volumetric ratio of ethyl acetate was used for quenching and subsequent extraction. Formation of ethyl palmitate was monitored using GC-MS. Table 24 summarizes the results.

TABLE 24 Ethyl % Ethyl palmitate palmitate conversion % Ethanol (mg/L) formed (g/g of C16- conversion % v/v −‘TesA +‘TesA (mg/L) CoA) (mole/mole) 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 10 0 4.12 4.12 4.12 14.57 20 0 6.64 6.64 6.64 23.49 40 0 1.88 1.88 1.88 6.65 60 0 1.74 1.74 1.74 6.15

The results indicate that ‘TesA thioesterases efficiently catalyzes the transesterification of an acyl-CoA, palmitoyl-CoA, into ethyl palmitate in presence of ethanol. Maximum yield obtained was 23.5 mole/mole of palmitoyl-CoA. Given that yields for spontaneous conversion of palmitic acid to palmitic ester are extremely low compared to those in presence of ‘TesA (i.e., indicating a >1,000-fold increase) the conversion occurs enzymatically. Based on our data, maximum transesterification yields occurred at 10-20% ethanol (v/v) levels. Higher alcohol concentrations affect enzyme stability and/or activity adversely and therefore result in lower ester yields.

From these results, a conclusion was reached that thioesterase can catalyze the direct esterification of an acyl-CoA substrate in the presence of alcohol. It will be possible to modify the ester product by changing the alcohol (e.g., by using methanol, propanol or butanol) and/or the alcohol concentration.

Example 36. In Vivo Production of Fatty Esters by Thioesterase

In this example, the ability of ‘TesA to produce esters in vivo in the absence of heterologously expressed ester synthase was investigated. Ester formation in the absence of a heterologously expressed ester synthase was observed in the E. coli strain MG1655 (ΔfadE), which also carries an artificial operon containing ‘tesA and fadD under the control of a trc promoter, along with a kanamycin marker gene. The operon was integrated into the chromosome, interrupting the native lacZ gene. This strain was tested in a shake flask fermentation using media comprising 6 g/L Na₂HPO₄, 3 g/L KH₂PO₄, 0.5 g/L NaCl, 1 g/L NH₄Cl, 1 mg/L thiamine, 1 mM MgSO₄, 0.1 mM CaCl, supplemented with extra NH₄Cl (an additional 1 g/L), Bis-Tris buffer (0.2 M), Triton X-100 (0.1% v/v), and trace minerals (27 mg/L FeCl₃-6H₂O, 2 mg/L ZnCl₂-4H₂O, 2 mg/L CaCl₂-6H₂O, 2 mg/L Na₂MoO₄-2H₂O, 1.9 mg/L CuSO₄-5H₂O, 0.5 mg/L H₃BO₃, 100 mL/L concentrated HCl).

An LB+antibiotics pre-seed culture was inoculated with a scraping from a glycerol stock or from a single colony. It was cultured for 6 to 8 hours until the OD₆₀₀ reached >1.0. A fermentation medium plus 2% glucose (w/v)+antibiotics overnight seed culture was inoculated with the LB pre-seed culture to 4% (v/v). 15 mL fermentation media+3% glucose (w/v)+antibiotics production cultures were prepared in 125 mL baffled shake flasks. An appropriate amount of the overnight seed culture was used to inoculate the production culture such that the starting OD₆₀₀ in the production culture flask was about 0.5. The flasks were allowed to grow until the OD₆₀₀ therein reached 1.0, at which point the cultures were induced with 1 mM IPTG (final concentration) and fed methanol or ethanol (at 2% v/v). The fermentation runs were allowed to continue for the indicated amount of time post-induction. All culture steps were performed at 32° C. with shaking at 200 rpm.

Whole broth extractions were performed using a standard microextraction procedure. In brief, 500 μl of broth was transferred to a microcentrifuge tube, to which 100 μl of 1M HCl was added. The acidified cultures were extracted with 500 μl of ethyl acetate, vortexed for 5 minutes, and centrifuged at top speed for 1 minute. The organic layer was analyzed using GC-FID for both simultaneous fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) and free fatty acid (FFA) quantification and simultaneous fatty acid ethyl ester (FAEE) and FFA quantification.

In samples containing FAEE and FFA, the FFA were derivatized with Bis(trimethylsilyl)trifluoroacetamide before quantification.

The MG1655 (ΔfadE) pTrc-‘TesA_fadD strain, which was cultured and fed 2% methanol at induction, produced 2 g/L total FAMEs by the 24 hour time point and 3.5 g/L total FAMEs by the end of the fermentation at 48 hours (FIG. 48). Minimal amounts of FFAs were detected, about 100 mg/L in total. The cultures reached their highest density, OD₆₀₀ about 11, after 24 hours and did not continue to grow in the following 24 hours. Specific productivity was calculated to be about 200 mg/L/OD at 24 hours, and about 300 mg/L/OD at 48 hours. These data indicated that, with the overexpression of ‘tesA and fadD, even in the absence of a wax synthase, FAME production was observed.

To assess the ability of FadD or ‘TesA to independently produce FAME, a second fermentation was carried out testing two different E. coli strains carrying plasmids with either fadD, ‘tesA, or both fadD and ‘tesA. The plasmids were all pACYC-based and expression was driven by a trc promoter. Three different MG1655 (ΔfadE) strains were tested, one with a fadD only plasmid, one with a ‘tesA only plasmid, and one with ‘tesA and fadD with ‘tesA being located upstream of fadD. Two C41 (ΔfadE) were tested, both carrying ‘tesA and fadD, but with the genes in different order relative to the promoter. These strains were cultured in the media described above and fed 2% methanol at induction and grown for an additional 25 hours post-induction. The strain expressing only fadD did not produce any FAMEs while the ‘tesA strain produced only about 150 mg/L FAMEs (FIG. 49). Having both ‘TesA and fadD improves upon FAME production over ‘TesA alone. The two C41 strains produced a further increase in FAME production, as observed in the strain carrying a plasmid in which fadD is upstream of ‘tesA, over the strain expressing ‘tesA and fadD in the opposite order. This suggested that higher FadD expression enhanced the ability of ‘TesA to produce esters. Since ‘TesA can cleave both acyl-ACPs and acyl-CoAs, it is likely that the production of acyl-CoAs by FadD is allowing for the FFAs generated by ‘TesA to be recycled back to the thioesterase to either be converted back into FFAs by hydrolysis or taken all the way to FAMEs by alcoholysis. Examination of the FFA titers leads to the conclusion that only the strain expressing ‘TesA produced significant amounts of FFA, while the strains expressing fadD produced very little FFA (FIG. 50).

‘TesA was tested for its ability to utilize ethanol for the direct formation of fatty acid ethyl ester (FAEE). The two MG1655 (ΔfadE) strains from the experiment described above, the fadD overexpression strain and the ‘TesA overexpression strain, were tested. Also included in this experiment was the MG1655 (ΔfadE) with the integrated ‘tesA_fadD operon under the control of a trc promoter. All strains were cultured using the protocol described above. At induction, all strains were fed 2% (v/v) of methanol or 2% (v/v) of ethanol. In addition, the MG1655 (ΔfadE)+fadD strain was fed 0.05% (w/v) of C14:0 fatty acid to ensure that sufficient free fatty acid substrate was available to FadD for catalyzing the potential alcoholysis reaction. The fermentations were allowed to continue for 24 hours.

Under these fermentation conditions, FadD alone was again unable to produce the requisite C₁C₁₄:0 FAME or the C₂C₁₄:0 FAEE, indicating that FadD was not sufficient for ester formation (FIG. 51). However, ‘TesA alone was able to produce FAEEs and as before, overexpression of ‘tesA and fadD boosts overall production of FAEEs over having ‘tesA alone. While overall FAEE titers were lower than FAME titers, this data demonstrate that ‘TesA can also use ethanol in addition to methanol for the formation of fatty esters. Analysis of FFA formation under these fermentation conditions indicates that the strains behaved similarly with ethanol feeding as they did with methanol feeding (FIG. 52).

The FFA present in the fadD samples was contributed almost entirely by the C₁₄:0 FFA fed during fermentation. The strain expressing ‘tesA produced a large amount of FFA, while the strain expressing ‘tesA and fadD showed very little accumulation of FFA. In the presence of ‘TesA, only 14% conversion of FFA to FAME or a 2.3% of FFA to FAEE was observed. In the presence of ‘TesA and FadD, nearly a 100% conversion of FFA to either FAME or FAEE was observed. These data suggest that ‘TesA is necessary and sufficient for fatty acid alcohol ester formation, but the overexpression of FadD along with ‘TesA is important for increased FAME and FAEE formation.

The previous results suggest that E. coli ‘TesA can produce FAME and FAEE when fed the appropriate alcohols during fermentation. To determine whether this is a function unique to E. coli ‘TesA, the ability of other heterologously expressed thioesterases to produce FAMEs was investigated. ‘TesA homologs from Photorhabdus luminescens and Vibrio harveyi along with a TesB from Photobacterium profundum were overexpressed from pACYC-based plasmids in the strain MG1655 (ΔfadE) and tested alongside the E. coli ‘TesA overexpression strain from the previous fermentations. Shake flask fermentations were carried out in fermentation media and allowed to continue for 24 hours post-induction. The results indicated that the two ‘TesA homologs were also able to generate FAMEs (FIG. 53). P. luminescens ‘TesA produced FAME at a level comparable to E. coli ‘TesA, while the V. harveyi ‘TesA was able to produce much more FAME than E. coli ‘TesA. When looking at the FFA titers, the P. luminescens ‘TesA produced less FFA than E. coli ‘TesA, but again, the V. harveyi ‘TesA produced much larger FFA titers when compared to its E. coli counterpart (FIG. 54). Interestingly, the V. harveyi ‘TesA was highly active and was able to produce higher FAME and FFA titers than the control strain expressing E. coli ‘TesA; moreover, its FFA to FAME conversion rate was over 30% to E. coli ‘TesA's 14%. Additionally, despite producing lower total FAME titers, the strain expressing P. luminescens ‘TesA showed that FAME constituted over 60% of the total FAME+FFA titer.

1. Ester Synthase Activity in Other ‘TesA Homologs

The ‘TesA homologs from Escherichia coli, Pectobacterium atrosepticum, Photobacterium profundum, Photorhabdus luminescens, Pseudomonas putida, and Vibrio harveyi were cloned into the expression vector pACYC under the control of a trc promoter. All sequences were cloned as truncated genes lacking a signal peptide sequence, in order to achieve cytoplasmic expression. DNA and amino acid sequences for the homologs are shown in Table 26. An alignment of the amino acid sequences is shown in Table 27.

The plasmids were transformed into E. coli MG1655 ΔfadE and cultured overnight at 37° C. on LB agar plates containing 100 μg/mL carbenicillin. Individual colonies were selected and cultured at 37° C. in an LB broth containing 1% (w/v) glucose and 100 μg/mL carbenicillin until OD₆₀₀ reached a value of about 1.0. 200 μL of the culture was then diluted into 1.8 mL of an M9 medium containing 100 μg/mL carbenicillin. After growing the cultures for 3 hours at 37° C., IPTG (1 mM final concentration), as well as Bis-Tris Propane buffer (0.1 M, pH 7.0), and methanol (2% v/v) were added.

After 20 hours of growth at 37° C., 1 mL of culture was extracted by adding 100 μL 1 N HCl and 250 μL ethyl acetate. A C20 free fatty acid internal standard was included in the ethyl acetate solution.

The fatty acids and methyl esters were analyzed on a gas chromatograph Trace GC Ultra (Thermo Electron Corp) equipped with a flame ionization detector. The total amount of fatty acid (FFA) and fatty acyl methyl ester (FAME) produced varied among the homologs studied (see FIG. 60).

E. coli ‘TesA produced about 300 mg/L in total fatty products, while the Pseudomonas putida homolog generated nearly 4 times that amount. The proportion of FAME produced was also dependent on which ‘TesA homolog was expressed. Whereas only 3% of total product generated by ‘TesA from Pseudomonas putida was FAME, more than 25% of total product generated by Vibrio harveyi ‘TesA was FAME. These results indicate that ester formation is catalyzed and influenced by ‘TesA, rather than being a purely chemical process that is not affected by the enzyme. It follows that this activity is a function of the amino acid sequence of the enzyme and that it can be engineered to increase or decrease the propensity for ester production.

To determine whether FadD overexpression would increase FAME titers, the plasmids were then transformed into E. coli MG1655 ΔfadE carrying the fadD gene on the pCL1920 plasmid, under the control of a trc promoter. The transformed cells were cultured overnight at 37° C. on LB agar plates containing 100 μg/mL carbenicillin and 100 μg/mL spectinomycin. Individual colonies were selected and cultured at 37° C. in LB broth containing 1% (w/v) glucose, 100 μg/mL carbenicillin, and 100 μg/mL spectinomycin until OD₆₀₀ reached a value of about 1.0. 200 μL of the culture was then diluted into 1.8 ml of an M9 medium containing 100 μg/mL carbenicillin and 100 μg/mL spectinomycin. After growing the cultures for 3 hours at 37° C., IPTG (1 mM final concentration), as well as Bis-Tris Propane buffer (0.1 M, pH 7.0) and methanol (2% v/v) were added.

After 20 hours of growth at 37° C., 1 ml of culture was extracted by adding 100 μL 1 N HCl and 250 μL ethyl acetate. A C₂₀ free fatty acid internal standard was included in the ethyl acetate solution.

The fatty acids and methyl esters were analyzed on a gas chromatograph Trace GC Ultra (Thermo Electron Corp) equipped with a flame ionization detector. As observed previously with E. coli ‘TesA, coexpression of FadD increased the proportion of FAME produced for all homologs tested (See FIG. 61). Therefore, co-expression of an acyl-CoA synthase in conjunction with ‘TesA homologs can be used to increase ester production. Interestingly, the total titer of FFA plus FAME produced by ‘TesA from P. putida was much lower when FadD was co-expressed. This suggests that P. putida ‘TesA may be more specific for acyl-ACP substrates than acyl-CoAs, and can be co-expressed with an ester synthase or other thioesterase with greater activity against acyl-CoAs to further increase ester production.

2. Enhanced Ester Synthesis by a ‘TesA Mutant

As mentioned above, the studies of ‘TesA homologs have indicated that ester synthase activity in ‘TesA in an engineerable trait; that is, one can make changes in the amino acid sequence of the enzyme to improve the production of esters. To this end, a mutant of E. coli ‘TesA was constructed with enhanced ester synthase activity. Replacing Ser10, the nucleophilic serine residue in the active site of ‘TesA, with cysteine to generate the S10C mutant yields an improved ‘TesA enzyme that produces a higher proportion of FAME.

Plasmids encoding wildtype E. coli ‘TesA, the S10C mutant, or no ‘TesA were transformed into E. coli MG1655 ΔfadE and cultured overnight at 37° C. on LB agar plates containing 100 μg/mL carbenicillin. Individual colonies were selected and cultured overnight at 37° C. in an LB broth containing 1% (w/v) glucose and 100 μg/mlcarbenicillin. The cultures were then diluted 1:100 in a fresh LB medium supplemented with 1% (w/v) glucose and 100 μg/mL carbenicillin, and cultured at 37° C. until OD₆₀₀ reached a value of about 1.0. 200 μL of the culture was then diluted into 1.8 mL of an M9 medium containing 100 μg/mL carbenicillin. After growing the cultures for 3 hours at 37° C., IPTG (1 mM final concentration) was added, as well as Bis-Tris Propane buffer (0.1 M, pH 7.0) and methanol (2% v/v).

After 20 hours of growth at 37° C., 1 mL of culture was extracted by adding 100 μL 1 N HCl and 250 μL ethyl acetate. A C₂₀ free fatty acid internal standard was included in the ethyl acetate solution.

The fatty acids and methyl esters were analyzed on a gas chromatograph Trace GC Ultra (Thermo Electron Corp) equipped with a flame ionization detector. The total amount of fatty acid (FFA) and fatty acyl methyl ester (FAME) was greater in cultures of wildtype E. coli ‘TesA (316 mg/L) compared to the S10C mutant (136 mg/L), but the proportion of FAME in S10C (47%) was greater than that observed with wildtype ‘TesA (9%). This demonstrates that the sequence of ‘TesA can be modified to affect the proportion of esters produced (See FIG. 62).

TABLE 26 Sequences of ‘TesA homologs studied in Example 36 Species DNA Sequence Amino Acid Sequence Escheri- ATGGCGGACACGTTATTGA MADTLLILGDSLSAGYRMSA chia TTCTGGGTGATAGCCTGAG SAAWPALLNDKWQSKTSVV coli CGCCGGGTATCGAATGTCT NASISGDTSQQGLARLPALLK GCCAGCGCGGCCTGGCCTG QHQPRWVLVELGGNDGLRG CCTTGTTGAATGATAAGTG FQPQQTEQTLRQILQDVKAA GCAGAGTAAAACGTCGGT NAEPLLMQIRLPANYGRRYN AGTTAATGCCAGCATCAGC EAFSAIYPKLAKEFDVPLLPF GGCGACACCTCGCAACAA FMEEVYLKPQWMQDDGIHP GGACTGGCGCGCCTTCCGG NRDAQPFIADWMAKQLQPL CTCTGCTGAAACAGCATCA VNHDS GCCGCGTTGGGTGCTGGTT (SEQ ID NO: 31) GAACTGGGCGGCAATGAC GGTTTGCGTGGTTTTCAGC CACAGCAAACCGAGCAAA CGCTGCGCCAGATTTTGCA GGATGTCAAAGCCGCCAA CGCTGAACCATTGTTAATG CAAATACGTCTGCCTGCAA ACTATGGTCGCCGTTATAA TGAAGCCTTTAGCGCCATT TACCCCAAACTCGCCAAAG AGTTTGATGTTCCGCTGCT GCCCTTTTTTATGGAAGAG GTCTACCTCAAGCCACAAT GGATGCAGGATGACGGTA TTCATCCCAACCGCGACGC CCAGCCGTTTATTGCCGAC TGGATGGCGAAGCAGTTGC AGCCTTTAGTAAATCATGA CTCATAA (SEQ ID NO: 32) Pectobac- ATGGCTGATACATTATTAA MADTLLILGDSLSAGYQMPA terium TTCTGGGTGATAGCCTCAG ANAWPTLLNTQWQTQKKGI atrosep- TGCGGGCTACCAGATGCCG AVVNASISGDTTAQGLARLP ticum GCCGCTAACGCCTGGCCAA ALLKQHQPRWVLIELGGNDG CGCTGCTGAACACGCAGTG LRGFPAPNIEQDLAKIITLVK GCAGACGCAGAAAAAGGG QANAKPLLMQVRLPTNYGR CATCGCCGTGGTTAACGCC RYTESFSNIYPKLAEQFALPL AGCATTAGCGGCGACACC LPFFMEQVYLKPEWIMEDGI ACCGCACAGGGGCTGGCG HPTRDAQPFIAEWMAKQLEP CGACTTCCTGCCTTACTGA LVNHES AACAACATCAGCCGCGTTG (SEQ ID NO: 59) GGTGTTGATTGAACTGGGC GGCAATGACGGGCTTCGG GGGTTTCCGGCACCCAATA TCGAGCAGGATCTGGCGA AAATCATTACGCTAGTCAA ACAGGCTAACGCTAAGCCT CTGCTGATGCAGGTTCGTT TGCCAACCAACTATGGCCG CCGCTACACCGAGTCATTC AGCAACATTTACCCCAAAC TCGCGGAGCAGTTTGCGCT TCCTCTGCTGCCTTTCTTTA TGGAGCAGGTGTATCTTAA ACCGGAGTGGATCATGGA AGATGGCATCCATCCAACC CGTGATGCCCAACCGTTTA TCGCAGAATGGATGGCGA AGCAGCTGGAACCCTTAGT TAACCATGAGTCTTAA (SEQ ID NO: 60) Photobac- ATGGGCAACACATTACTGG MAWGNTLLVVGDSLSAGYQ terium TTGTCGGTGATAGCTTGAG MRAEQSWPVLLQPALKQQG profundum CGCGGGCTATCAAATGCGG HEITVVNASISGDTTGNGLAR GCAGAACAAAGCTGGCCG LPTLLQQHKPAYVIIELGAND GTGTTACTGCAACCCGCAT GLRGFPQGTIRNNLSQMITEI TAAAGCAACAAGGTCACG QNADAKPMLVQIKVPPNYG AAATCACCGTTGTAAATGC KRYSDMFSSIYPQLSKELATP CAGTATTTCAGGCGATACA LLPFFLEQIILKQEWMMNDG ACAGGAAACGGCTTGGCTC LHPKSDAQPWIAEYMAENIA GATTGCCTACATTATTACA PYL ACAACATAAACCAGCTTAC (SEQ ID NO: 61) GTCATAATTGAACTCGGGG CGAATGATGGCTTACGTGG TTTCCCTCAAGGTACTATA CGTAACAATCTCAGCCAAA TGATCACTGAAATTCAAAA TGCTGATGCCAAGCCAATG CTCGTGCAGATAAAAGTGC CGCCCAATTACGGCAAACG CTACAGTGATATGTTCAGT TCTATTTACCCTCAACTCA GTAAAGAGTTAGCCACACC ACTGTTACCTTTCTTTTTAG AGCAGATCATTTTAAAACA AGAATGGATGATGAATGA CGGTTTGCATCCTAAATCT GATGCTCAGCCATGGATTG CCGAATATATGGCTGAGAA TATCGCGCCTTATTTATAA (SEQ ID NO: 62) Photo- ATGGCTGATACCCTTCTGA MADTLLILGDSLSAGYHLPIE rhabdus TTCTCGGTGATAGCCTTAG QSWPALMEKKWQKSGNKIT lumi- TGCCGGTTACCATCTGCCT VINGSISGNTAAQGLERLPEL nescens ATTGAGCAGTCATGGCCTG LKQHKPRWVLIELGANDGLR CTTTGATGGAAAAAAAGTG GFPPQHTEQDLQQIITLVKQA GCAAAAATCCGGCAATAA NIQPLLMQIRLPPNYGRRYTE AATCACGGTCATCAACGGC SFAKIYPKLAEYNQIPLLPFY AGCATCAGCGGCAACACC MEQVAIKPEWVQQDGLHPN GCCGCTCAGGGCCTTGAGC LAAQPFIADWMSDTLSAHLN GGCTACCTGAATTACTTAA YS ACAACATAAACCCCGTTGG (SEQ ID NO: 63) GTACTGATAGAGCTGGGTG CCAACGATGGATTACGCGG TTTTCCTCCACAACACACC GAACAAGATCTACAACAG ATCATTACTTTAGTGAAAC AAGCTAATATTCAGCCTTT ATTGATGCAGATCCGTCTA CCACCAAACTATGGGCGCC GTTATACCGAGTCTTTTGC CAAGATTTACCCCAAACTG GCAGAATATAATCAAATTC CCCTGCTCCCGTTTTATAT GGAGCAAGTCGCCATTAA ACCGGAGTGGGTGCAACA AGATGGGTTACATCCTAAT CTGGCAGCCCAACCATTTA TCGCCGATTGGATGTCTGA CACACTATCAGCACATCTT AATTATTCTTAA (SEQ ID NO: 64) Pseudo- ATGGCAGGAACACTGCTG MAGTLLVVGDSISAGFGLDS monas GTTGTTGGCGATAGTATCA RQGWVSLLQARLRDEGFDD putida GCGCCGGTTTTGGCCTGGA KVVNASISGDTSAGGQARLP TAGCCGTCAGGGCTGGGTG ALLAAHKPSLVVLELGGNDG TCTCTCTTGCAGGCCCGTC LRGQPPAQLQQNLASMIERS TCAGGGACGAAGGTTTTGA RQAGAKVLLLGMRLPPNYG CGACAAAGTGGTCAATGCT VRYTTAFAKVYEQLAADKQ TCGATCAGTGGCGATACCA VPLVPFFLEGVGGVPELMQA GCGCAGGTGGCCAGGCGC DGIHPAQGAQQRLLENAWP GGCTGCCGGCGCTGCTTGC AIKPLL AGCACATAAACCGAGCCT (SEQ ID NO: 65) GGTGGTGCTGGAGCTGGGC GGCAACGATGGCCTGCGC GGGCAGCCGCCTGCACAAT TGCAACAAAATCTTGCCTC GATGATCGAGCGTTCGCGT CAGGCAGGGGCCAAGGTG CTGCTATTGGGCATGCGCC TGCCGCCCAATTATGGTGT GCGTTACACCACCGCCTTT GCCAAGGTGTATGAACAG CTGGCAGCGGACAAACAG GTTCCCTTGGTGCCGTTTTT CCTCGAAGGGGTAGGGGG CGTACCTGAACTGATGCAG GCTGATGGCATCCATCCGG CCCAGGGGGCTCAGCAGC GCCTGCTGGAAAATGCCTG GCCAGCGATAAAACCCTTG CTGTGA (SEQ ID NO: 66) Vibrio ATGAGCGAAAAGCTACTTG MSEKLLVLGDSLSAGYQMPI harveyi TTTTGGGCGACAGCCTGAG EESWPSLLPGALLEHGQDVK CGCTGGTTATCAAATGCCT VVNGSISGDTTGNGLARLPSL ATAGAGGAGAGTTGGCCT LEQHTPDLVLIELGANDGLR AGCTTACTCCCAGGCGCGT GFPPKLITLNLSKMITMIKDS TATTAGAACATGGCCAAGA GADVVMMQIRVPPNYGKRY TGTAAAAGTTGTAAACGGT SDMFYDIYPKLAEHQQVAL AGCATCTCTGGTGACACCA MPFFLEHVIIKPEWMMDDGL CAGGCAATGGCCTTGCACG HPKPEAQPYIADFVAQELVK GTTACCTTCTCTCCTTGAG HL CAACACACGCCCGATTTGG (SEQ ID NO: 67) TACTGATTGAGCTTGGCGC TAACGATGGCCTACGCGGT TTCCCACCTAAACTTATTA CGTTAAACCTATCGAAAAT GATTACCATGATCAAAGAT TCTGGTGCGGATGTCGTCA TGATGCAAATCCGCGTCCC ACCAAATTATGGTAAGCGT TACAGCGATATGTTCTACG ACATCTACCCTAAACTGGC AGAACATCAGCAAGTAGC GCTAATGCCGTTCTTCTTA GAGCATGTCATCATTAAAC CAGAATGGATGATGGACG ATGGCTTGCACCCAAAACC GGAAGCTCAACCCTACATT GCTGACTTTGTCGCTCAAG AATTGGTTAAACATCTCTA A (SEQ ID NO: 68)

TABLE 27 Alignment of ‘TesA sequences ‘TesA --MADTLLILGDSLSAGYRMSASAAWPALLNDKWQSKT---  55 SVVNASISGDTSQQGLARL PatrA --MADTLLILGDSLSAGYQMPAANAWPTLLNTQWQTQKKGI AVVNASISGDTTAQGLARL PlumA --MADTLLILGDSLSAGYHLPIEQSWPALMEKKWQKSGNKI TVINGSISGNTAAQGLERL PproA MAWGNTLLVVGDSLSAGYQMRAEQSWPVLLQPALKQQGHEI TVVNASISGDTTGNGLARL VhA --MSEKLLVLGDSLSAGYQMPIEESWPSLLPGALLEHGQDV KVVNGSISGDTTGNGLARL PputA --MAGTLLVVGDSISAGFGLDSRQGWVSLLQARLRDEGFDD KVVNASISGDTSAGGQARL ‘TesA PALLKQHQPRWVLVELGGNDGLRGFQPQQTEQTLRQILQDV 115 KAANAEPLLMQIRLPANYG PatrA PALLKQHQPRWVLIELGGNDGLRGFPAPNIEQDLAKIITLV KQANAKPLLMQVRLPTNYG PlumA PELLKQHKPRWVLIELGANDGLRGFPPQHTEQDLQQIITLV KQANIQPLLMQIRLPPNYG PproA PTLLQQHKPAYVIIELGANDGLRGFPQGTIRNNLSQMITEI QNADAKPMLVQIKVPPNYG VhA PSLLEQHTPDLVLIELGANDGLRGFPPKLITLNLSKMITMI KDSGADVVMMQIRVPPNYG PputA PALLAAHKPSLVVLELGGNDGLRGQPPAQLQQNLASMIERS RQAGAKVLLLGMRLPPNYG ‘TesA RRYNEAFSAIYPKLAKEFDVPLLPFFMEEVYLKPQWMQDDG 175 IHPNRDAQPFIADWMAKQL PatrA RRYTESFSNIYPKLAEQFALPLLPFFMEQVYLKPEWIMEDG IHPTRDAQPFIAEWMAKQL PlumA RRYTESFAKIYPKLAEYNQIPLLPFYMEQVAIKPEWVQQDG LHPNLAAQPFIADWMSDTL PproA KRYSDMFSSIYPQLSKELATPLLPFFLEQIILKQEWMMNDG LHPKSDAQPWIAEYMAENI VhA KRYSDMFYDIYPKLAEHQQVALMPFFLEHVIIKPEWMMDDG LHPKPEAQPYIADFVAQEL PputA VRYTTAFAKVYEQLAADKQVPLVPFFLEGVGGVPELMQADG IHPAQGAQQRLLENAWPAI ‘TesA QPLVNHDS 183 PatrA EPLVNHES PlumA SAHLNYS PproA APYL VhA VKHL PputA KPLL.

Example 37. Production of Fame in the Absence of a Wax Synthase in Fermentors

This Example demonstrates that a process as described in Example 36, supra, can be scaled up to produce fatty acid esters at commercial scale in accordance with the present invention.

Cells from a frozen stock were revived in an LB broth for 4-8 hours and then cultured in a defined medium containing: 1.5 g/L of KH₂PO₄, 4.54 g/L of K₂HPO₄ trihydrate, 4 g/L of (NH₄)₂SO₄, 0.15 g/L of MgSO₄ heptahydrate, 20 g/L of glucose, 200 mM of Bis-Tris buffer (pH 7.2), 1.25, and 1.25 mL/L of a vitamin solution. The trace metals solution comprised 27 g/L of FeCl₃. 6H₂O, 2 g/L of ZnCl₂.4H₂O, 2 g/L of CaCl₂.6H₂O, 2 g/L of Na₂MoO₄.2H₂O, 1.9 g/L of CuSO₄. 5H₂O, 0.5 g/L of H₃BO₃, and 100 mL/L of concentrated HCl. The vitamin solution comprised 0.42 g/L of riboflavin, 5.4 g/L of pantothenic acid, 6 g/L of niacin, 1.4 g/L of pyridoxine, 0.06 g/L of biotin, and 0.04 g/L of folic acid.

100 mL of a culture grown overnight was used to inoculate 2 liters of the same medium, but with only 2 g/L of glucose, in a fermentor under tightly controlled temperature, pH, agitation, aeration and dissolved oxygen. The conditions in the fermentor were 32° C., pH 6.8, and a dissolved oxygen (DO) level equal to 30% of saturation. The pH was maintained by addition of NH₄OH, which also acted as a nitrogen source for cell growth. When the initial glucose became almost consumed, a feed containing 60% glucose, 3.9 g/L MgSO₄ heptahydrate and 10 mL/L of the trace minerals solution was supplied to the fermentor. The feed rate was set up to match the cell growth rate to avoid accumulation of glucose in the fermentor. By avoiding glucose accumulation, it was possible to reduce or eliminate the formation of byproducts such as acetate, formate and ethanol, which are otherwise commonly produced by E. coli. During the first 16-24 hours, the feed was supplied exponentially, allowing the cells to grow at a fixed growth rate. Once the feed rate reached a desired maximum (from 6 to 10 g glucose/L fermentor/h) it was maintained at that level for the remainder of the fermentation run. In the early phases of the growth, the production of FAME was induced by the addition of 1 mM IPTG and 25 mL/L of pure methanol. The fermentation was allowed to continue for a period of 3 days. Methanol was added several times during the run to replenish what had been consumed by the cells, but mostly what had been lost by evaporation in the off-gas. The additions were used to maintain the concentration of methanol in the fermentation broth at between 10 and 30 mL/L, so as to guarantee efficient production while avoiding inhibition of cell growth.

The progression of the fermentation was followed by measurements of OD600 (optical density at 600 nm), glucose consumption, and ester production.

Glucose consumption throughout the fermentation was analyzed by High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). The HPLC analysis was performed according to methods commonly used for certain sugars and organic acids in the art, using, for example, the following conditions: Agilent HPLC 1200 Series with Refractive Index detector; Column: Aminex HPX-87H, 300 mm×7.8 mm; column temperature: 35° C.; mobile phase: 0.01 M H₂SO₄ (aqueous); flow rate: 0.6 mL/min; injection volume: 20 μl.

The production of fatty acid methyl and ethyl esters was analyzed by gas chromatography with a flame ionization detector (GC-FID). The samples from fermentation broth were extracted with ethyl acetate in a ratio of 1:1 vol/vol. After strong vortexing, the samples were centrifuged and the organic phase was analyzed by gas chromatography (GC). The analysis conditions were as follows:

Instrument: Trace GC Ultra, Thermo Electron Corporation with Flame ionization detector (FID) detector;

Column: DB-1 (1% diphenyl siloxane; 99% dimethyl siloxane) CO1 UFM I/O.1/5 01 DET from Thermo Electron Corporation, phase pH 5, FT: 0.4 μm, length 5m, id: 0.1 mm;

Inlet conditions: 250° C. splitless, 3.8 minute 1/25 split method used depending upon sample concentration with split flow of 75 mL/min;

Carrier gas, flow rate: Helium, 3.0 mL/min;

Block temperature: 330° C.;

Oven temperature: 0.5 minute hold at 50° C.; 100° C./minute to 330° C.; 0.5 minute hold at 330° C.;

Detector temperature: 300° C.;

Injection volume: 2 μL;

Run time/flow rate: 6.3 min/3.0 mL/min (splitless method), 3.8 min/1.5 mL/min (split 1/25 method), 3.04 min/1.2 mL/min (split 1/50 method).

This protocol was applied in fermentation runs of two different strains: ID1 (MG1655 ΔfadE::P_(TRC) tesA-fadD) and IDG5 (MG1655 ΔfadE ΔfhuA Δadh Δldh ΔpflB::P_(TRC) tesA, P_(T5L)fadD), neither of which contained the gene coding for an ester synthase. Cells were induced at 4 hours after inoculation by an IPTG addition, and methanol was fed to the fermentors to provide the alcohol for production of FAMEs. In separate experiments, the cultures were fed glucose at two different maximum feed rates: 6 and 10 g/L/h.

With both strains and at each glucose feed rate, the cultures indicated a preference for the production of FAME over free fatty acids, as shown in FIG. 63 and FIG. 64. In 70-hour fermentations, ID1 produced about 19 g/L of FAME and less than 1 g/L FFA when fed at 6 g/L/h, and produced 28 g/L FAME and about 1 g/L FFA when fed at 10 g/L/h. IDG5 produced 20 g/L FAME and less than 1 g/L FFA at the lower glucose feed, and produced 25 g/L FAME and about 10 g/L FFA at the higher glucose feed.

Example 38. Identification of Naturally-Occurring Thioesterases for Altered Properties Based on Protein Engineering Results

E. coli ‘TesA engineering experiments conducted herein are useful in identifying many amino acid residues, the mutations of which lead to altered properties. ‘TesA is an enzyme that belongs to the SGNH family, a broad category of enzymes. It is likely that other homologs of ‘TesA can also be used in the production of biodiesel using the pathways described herein. This example identifies homologs of ‘TesA with potentially altered properties as compared to ‘TesA. The method is outlined below.

Homologs of ‘TesA were identified using the strategy outlined below.

The homologs with substitutions at the positions corresponding to those identified in the ‘TesA screen are shown in FIG. 55. The homolog ID and the sequence alignment near the positions of interest are also shown.

EQUIVALENTS

While specific examples of the subject inventions are explicitly disclosed herein, the above specification and examples herein are illustrative and not restrictive. Many variations of the inventions will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of this specification including the examples. The full scope of the inventions should be determined by reference to the examples, along with their full scope of equivalents, and the specification, along with such variations.

All publications, patents, patent applications, and other references cited in this application are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety as if each publication, patent, patent application or other reference were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. 

1. A mutant thioesterase derived from a precursor thioesterase, wherein the mutant has at least one altered property in vitro and/or in vivo, as compared to the precursor thioesterase. 2-36. (canceled) 